Figure 6.

(A) Schematic illustration of the application of Li₂Ca₄Si₄O₁₃ scaffolds for osteochondral reconstruction. Pure-phase Li₂Ca₄Si₄O₁₃ powders were successfully synthesized by the sol–gel method. Three-dimensional-printed Li₂Ca₄Si₄O₁₃ scaffolds not only promoted cartilage maturation, but also stimulated osteogenic differentiation in vitro. On the other hand, Li₂Ca₄Si₄O₁₃ scaffolds significantly accelerated cartilage regeneration as well as promoting subchondral bone reconstruction in vivo. (B–I) Surface morphology and XRD analysis of Li₂Ca₄Si₄O₁₃ scaffolds. Digital photograph (B), optical microscope image (C), and SEM images (D,E) of 3D-printed Li₂Ca₄Si₄O₁₃ scaffolds. The prepared porous Li₂Ca₄Si₄O₁₃ scaffolds possessed a controlled pore size (~250 μm). XRD analysis (F) of Li₂Ca₄Si₄O₁₃ scaffolds before/after soaking in the simulated body fluids for 14 days, and SEM images (G–I) of Li₂Ca₄Si₄O₁₃ scaffolds after soaking in the simulated body fluids for 14 days. Li₂Ca₄Si₄O₁₃ scaffolds induced distinct apatite mineralization on their surface. Reproduced from [258] with permission.