Effect of surface micro/nano-structures on the mechanical and osteogenic performances of photocurable bioglass scaffolds for bone regeneration

This study investigated surface micro/nano-structures’ effects on mechanical and osteogenic performances of photocurable 45S5 bioglass scaffolds for bone regeneration fabricated via digital light processing. Scaffolds with 30–80 μm layer thicknesses were prepared and 40 μm-thick scaffolds achieved optimal mechanical properties with compressive strength of 10.42 ± 1.39 MPa, flexural strength of 15.46 ± 1.30 MPa, and fracture toughness of 0.76 ± 0.08 MPa·m⁰·⁵, while excessive thickness or thinness compromised such properties. Following this, the 40 μm-thick scaffolds were further hydrothermally modified to construct nano-hydroxyapatite, preserving compressive strength at approximately 10 MPa while promoting osteogenic differentiation. Layer thickness modulated mechanical properties via structural integrity. Hydrothermal treatment preserved mechanical integrity and cytocompatibility while enhancing osteogenic differentiation and mineralization. These findings demonstrate that 45S5 bioglass scaffolds with 40 μm layer printed thickness and 60 min hydrothermal treatment offered the optimal combination of mechanical properties and osteogenic performance for bone regeneration applications.