Bone defects are extremely common in children with cleft-craniofacial conditions, especially those with alveolar cleft defects and cranial defects. This study used patient-specific 3D-printed molds derived from computed tomography and cryogel scaffold fabrication as a proof of concept for the creation of site-specific implants for bone reconstruction. Cryogel scaffolds are unique tissue-engineered constructs formed at sub-zero temperatures. When thawed, the resulting structure is macroporous, sponge-like, and mechanically durable. Due to these unique properties, cryogels have excellent potential for the treatment of patient-specific bone defects; however, there is little literature on their use in cleft-craniofacial defects. While 3D-printing technology currently lacks the spatial resolution to print the microstructure necessary for bone regeneration, it can be used to create site-specific molds. Thus, it is ideal to integrate these techniques for the fabrication of scaffolds with patient-specific geometry. Overall, all cryogels possessed appropriate geometry to allow for cell infiltration after 28 days. Additionally, suitable mechanical durability was demonstrated where, despite mold geometry, all cryogels could be compressed without exhibiting crack propagation. Such a patient-specific scaffold would be ideal in pediatric cleft-craniofacial defects, as these are complex 3D defects and children have less donor bone availability.
Keywords: 3D-printing; Cleft lip-palate; craniofacial; cryogels; maxillofacial; plastic surgery; tissue engineering.