ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To compare the mechanical properties of 3D-printed titanium meshes and pre-shaped titanium meshes, and to evaluate the effects of 3D-printed titanium meshes on cell proliferation and differentiation. METHODS: 3D- printed titanium meshes were produced and prepared with laser printing machine. The mechanical properties were analyzed by static tension and compression load test. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were extracted from 4-week-old male SD rats. BMSCs were co-cultured with 3D-printed titanium meshes of different apertures. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect cell proliferation. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay was used to test ALP activity. The expression of related osteogenic genes was tested by real-time PCR. The adhesion and growth of BMSCs were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and living / dead cell staining. SPSS 22.0 software package was used for statistical analysis of the results. RESULTS: The results of 3D-printing Ti-meshes tension and compression loading experiment were excellent. The 3D-printing Ti-meshes showed no inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, survival and adhesion, but had a positive effect on osteogenesis of BMSCs. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanical properties of 3D-printed Ti-meshes are excellent. The 3D-printed Ti-meshes have good biocompatibility.
