This study aimed to develop a practical three-dimensional (3D) macroporous scaffold from aligned electrospun nanofibrous yarns for bone tissue engineering. A novel 3D unwoven macroporous nanofibrous (MNF) scaffold was manufactured with electrospun poly(L-lactic acid) and polycaprolactone (w/w 9:1) nanofibers through sequential yarns manufacture and honeycombing process at 65°C. The efficacy of 3D MNF scaffold for bone formation were evaluated using human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hESC-MSCs) differentiation model and rabbit tibia bone defect model. In vitro, more cell proliferation and cell ingrowth were observed in 3D MNF scaffold. Moreover, calcium deposit was obviously detected in vitro differentiation of hESC-MSCs. In vivo, histology and X-ray showed that 3D MNF scaffold treated bone defect had fine 3D bony tissue formation around the scaffold as well as inside the scaffold at 3 weeks and 6 weeks. This study demonstrated that 3D MNF scaffold provides a structural support for hESC-MSCs growth and guides bone formation suggesting that this novel strategy successfully makes use of electrospun fibers for bone tissue engineering, which may help realize the clinical translation of electrospun nanofibers for regenerative medicine in future.
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