Metal-polyphenol networks-modified tantalum plate for craniomaxillofacial reconstruction

Abstract

Using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to make the porous tantalum plate and modify its surface. The physicochemical properties, cytocompatibility, antioxidant capacity, and histocompatibility of the modified materials were evaluated to prepare for the repair of craniomaxillofacial bone defects. The porous tantalum plates were 3D printed by selective laser melting technology. Tantalum plates were surface modified with a metal polyphenol network. The surface-modified plates were analyzed for cytocompatibility using thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide and live/dead cell staining. The antioxidant capacity of the surface-modified plates was assessed by measuring the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde. The histocompatibility of the plates was evaluated by animal experiments. The results obtained that the tantalum plates with uniform small pores exhibited a high mechanical strength. The surface-modified plates had much better hydrophilicity. In vitro cell experiments showed that the surface-modified plates had higher cytocompatibility and antioxidant capacity than blank tantalum plates. Through subcutaneous implantation in rabbits, the surface-modified plates demonstrated good histocompatibility. Hence, surface-modified tantalum plates had the potential to be used as an implant material for the treatment of craniomaxillofacial bone defects.

Figure 1

The graphical abstract of the study.

Figure 2

3D printed tantalum plates. (a) Tantalum plate with a random network structure. (b) Tantalum plate with uniform small pores. (c) Tantalum plate with uniform large pores.

Figure 3

The results of the tests conducted on surface hydrophilicity and roughness. The surface roughness of blank tantalum (a), polyphenol-coated tantalum (b), and polyphenol-zinc-coated tantalum plates (c) were characterized under the scanning electron microscope. The average water contact angles of the blank tantalum (d), polyphenol-coated tantalum (e), and polyphenol-zinc-coated (f) tantalum plates were 45.0°, 36.3°, and 37.1°, respectively (n = 3).

Figure 4

In vitro cell experiments. Ctrl group means cells cultured in the medium without any treatment, PC group means cells cultured in the medium after H₂O₂ treatment. (a) Cytotoxicity test results of materials after 1 day of culture. (b) Cytotoxicity test results of materials after 5 days of culture. (c) Protective effect of materials against oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide after 1 day of culture. (d) Protective effect of materials against oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide after 5 days of culture. (e) Results of staining analysis for live/dead cells after 1 day and 5 days of culture. The scale bar represents 10 µm. (f) Results of staining analysis for reactive oxygen species in cells after 1 day and 5 days of culture. The scale bar represents 10 µm. (g) Malondialdehyde assay results. (h) The results of superoxide dismutase activity determination. (i) Reduced glutathione assay results.

Figure 5

Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining (leftmost column) and immunohistochemistry staining (three rightmost columns) of implantation sites in rabbits. Arrows indicate inflammatory cells. Magnification: × 400, scale bars: 100 μ m. (a–c) HE and immunohistochemistry staining of three rabbits in the blank tantalum group. (d–f) HE and immunohistochemistry staining of three rabbits in the polyphenol-coated tantalum group. (g–i) HE and immunohistochemistry staining of three rabbits in the polyphenol-zinc-coated tantalum group.