From platelet-rich plasma to personalized implants: A commentary on "3D-printed vascularized biofunctional scaffolds for bone regeneration

Abstract

Bone defects require simultaneous vascularization and sustained osteoinductive signaling to achieve functional repair-two goals that conventional grafts frequently fail to meet. The study under discussion explores the use of plateletrich plasma (PRP) as a natural, multi-factor source, embedded in a methacrylated gelatin/methacrylated alginate (GA) hydrogel and modified with laponite (Lap) to regulate growth factor release. The resulting PRP-GA@Lap bioink is co-printed with polycaprolactone to create structurally reinforced scaffolds. In vitro, PRP-GA@ Lap stimulated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation, enhanced endothelial tube formation, and polarized macrophages toward a pro-regenerative M2 phenotype. In vivo, hybrid scaffolds accelerated vascular ingrowth and improved bone volume, mineral density, and defect integration in rat femoral condyles. By coupling biologically broad PRP signaling with engineered release kinetics and mechanical stability, this approach offers a clinically adaptable, patient-specific strategy for complex bone repair, with strong potential for personalized regenerative therapy.