Small Intestine Submucosa decorated 3D printed scaffold accelerated diabetic bone regeneration by ameliorating the microenvironment

The 3D printed scaffolds constructed from polymers have shown significant potential in the field of bone defect regeneration. However, the efficacy of these scaffolds can be markedly reduced in certain pathological conditions like diabetes, where the altered microenvironment complicates the integration of these polymers with the host tissue. In this study, the bioactivity of 3D-printed PLGA scaffold is augmented through integration of hydroxyapatite, icariin, and small intestine submucosa (SIS), a form of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM). In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that this functionalized scaffold not only provides desirable immunoregulatory effect, but also facilitates angiogenesis and osteogenesis during the subsequent process. This functionalization approach holds significant promise in advancing the treatment of bone defects within the diabetic population, paving a step forward in the application of polymer-based 3D printing technologies in regenerative medicine.