Titanium alloy scaffolds with novel interconnected and non-periodic porous bone-like micro architecture were 3D-printed and filled with hydroxyapatite bioactive matrix. These novel metallic-ceramic hybrid scaffolds were tested in vitro by direct-contact osteoblast cell cultures for cell adhesion, proliferation, morphology and gene expression of several key osteogenic markers. The scaffolds were also evaluated in vivo by implanting them on transverse and spinous processes of sheep's vertebras and subsequent histology study. The in vitro results showed that: (a) cell adhesion, proliferation and viability were not negatively affected with time by compositional factors (quantitative MTT-assay); (b) the osteoblastic cells were able to adhere and to attain normal morphology (fluorescence microscopy); (c) the studied samples had the ability to promote and sustain the osteogenic differentiation, matrix maturation and mineralization in vitro (real-time quantitative PCR and mineralized matrix production staining). Additionally, the in vivo results showed that the hybrid scaffolds had greater infiltration, with fully mineralized bone after 6 months, than the titanium scaffolds without bioactive matrix. In conclusion, these novel hybrid scaffolds could be an alternative to the actual spinal fusion devices, due to their proved osteogenic performance (i.e. osteoinductive and osteoconductive behaviour), if further dimensional and biomechanical optimization is performed.

具有新型互连和非周期性多孔骨样微结构的钛合金支架经过3D打印，并填充了羟基磷灰石生物活性基质。通过直接接触成骨细胞的细胞培养体外测试这些新型金属陶瓷混合支架的细胞粘附，增殖，形态和几种主要成骨标记基因的表达。还通过将支架植入绵羊椎骨的横突和棘突并随后进行组织学研究，对其进行了体内评估。体外结果表明：（a）细胞粘附，增殖和生存力不受时间的影响而受到组成因素的影响（MTT定量测定）；（b）成骨细胞能够粘附并达到正常形态（荧光显微镜）；（c）所研究的样品具有在体外促进和维持成骨分化，基质成熟和矿化的能力（实时定量PCR和矿化的基质产生染色）。另外，体内结果显示，与没有生物活性基质的钛支架相比，杂化支架在6个月后具有更大的浸润，具有完全矿化的骨。总之，如果进行进一步的尺寸和生物力学优化，这些新型混合支架可以证明其成骨性能（即成骨和成骨行为），因此可以替代实际的脊柱融合装置。体内结果显示，与没有生物活性基质的钛支架相比，杂化支架在6个月后具有更大的浸润性，并具有完全矿化的骨骼。总之，如果进行进一步的尺寸和生物力学优化，这些新型混合支架可以证明其成骨性能（即成骨和成骨行为），因此可以替代实际的脊柱融合装置。体内结果显示，与没有生物活性基质的钛支架相比，杂化支架在6个月后具有更大的浸润性，并具有完全矿化的骨骼。总之，如果进行进一步的尺寸和生物力学优化，这些新型混合支架可以证明其成骨性能（即成骨和成骨行为），因此可以替代实际的脊柱融合装置。