Application of electrochemical deposition of CeO₂ nanoparticles modified 3D printed porous Ti6Al4V scaffold in bone defect repair

Abstract Due to the limited self-regeneration capacity of bone, medical interventions is often required for large segmental bone defects. In this study, the application of porous titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) scaffold in bone defect repair was investigated. Owing to its excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility, Ti6Al4V is a preferred choice for orthopedic implants. To reduce the negative impact of its high elastic modulus on bone tissue, 3D printing technology was utilized to manufacture porous structures to approximate the elastic modulus of human bone, reducing the stress shielding phenomenon. In addition, electrochemical deposition technology was employed to deposit CeO2 nanoparticles (CNPs) onto the scaffold surface, aiming to improve its biological activity. According to the experimental findings, adding CNPs significantly enhanced the scaffold osteogenic capability. In vitro experiments on proliferation and expression of osteogenic markers verified its biological activity, while in vivo experiments further confirmed its potential to promote bone regeneration. Through detailed material characterization and biological evaluation, this study demonstrated the application prospect of 3D printed porous Ti6Al4V scaffold combined with CNPs, providing a new idea for the clinical repair of bone defects.