From PRP to personalized implants: A commentary on 3D-printed vascularized biofunctional scaffolds for bone regeneration

Bone defects require simultaneous vascularization and sustained osteoinductive signaling to achieve functional repair—two goals often unmet by conventional grafts. This study employs platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a natural multi-factor source, embedded in a methacrylated gelatin/methacrylated alginate (GelMA/AlgMA) hydrogel and modified with laponite (Lap) to control growth factor release. The PRP–GA@Lap bioink is co-printed with polycaprolactone (PCL) to create structurally reinforced scaffolds. In vitro, PRP–GA@Lap promoted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation, enhanced endothelial tube formation, and polarized macrophages toward a pro-regenerative M2 phenotype. In vivo, hybrid scaffolds accelerated vascular ingrowth and improved bone volume, mineral density, and integration in rat femoral condyle defects. By coupling biologically broad PRP signaling with engineered release kinetics and mechanical stability, this approach offers a clinically adaptable, patient-specific strategy for complex bone repair, with strong potential for personalized regenerative therapy.