3D-Printed Tantalum Scaffolds Regulates the SDF-1α/CXCR4 Signaling Axis through Spatial Configuration To Enhance the Repair of Osteoporotic Bone Defects

Abstract

Osteoporosis with large bone defects lacks effective reconstruction methods. Consequently, to improve reconstruction efficiency, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of osteoporotic bone defect repair is a “bottleneck problem” that needs to be resolved. Via proliferation, adhesion, osteogenic differentiation, and animal experiments, we found that 3D-printed tantalum (Ta) scaffolds could upregulate the expression of TNF-α, an upstream signal of SDF-1α/CXCR4, and that the expression of TNF-α could also differ with changes to the scaffolds’ spatial configuration. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, this study demonstrated that Ta could upregulate the SDF-1α/CXCR4 signaling pathway through its spatial structure, thereby promoting the repair of osteoporotic bone defects. These research outcomes present an approach for treating osteoporotic bone defects and establish a theoretical foundation for manufacturing 3D-printed Ta prosthetic structures.