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Viability of Bioprinted Cellular Constructs Using a Three Dispenser Cartesian Printer
Published on: September 22, 2015
Customized biomimetic scaffolds created by indirect three-dimensional printing for tissue engineering
Ju-Yeon Lee1, Bogyu Choi, Benjamin Wu
1Division of Advanced Prosthodontics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Biofabrication
|September 25, 2013
Summary
This study introduces an indirect 3D printing method for creating patient-specific tissue engineering scaffolds. The novel technique, using bioactive apatite coating, enhances bone marrow stromal cell viability and proliferation for osteochondral applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Medical Device Manufacturing
Background:
- Direct 3D printing of scaffolds limits material choices.
- Tissue engineering requires complex, patient-specific scaffolds.
- Existing biomaterials often lack osteoinductivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an indirect 3D printing (3DP) method for fabricating patient-specific tissue engineering scaffolds.
- To create custom scaffolds mimicking human mandibular condyle for osteochondral tissue engineering.
- To enhance scaffold bioactivity and cell compatibility.
Main Methods:
- An indirect 3DP approach using a gelatin particle mold was employed.
- Patient-specific scaffolds were designed using imaging technologies and computer-aided-design.
- Polycaprolactone and chitosan scaffolds were fabricated and coated with bioactive apatite.
- Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were used to assess scaffold biocompatibility.
Main Results:
- Custom scaffolds mimicking human mandibular condyle were successfully fabricated.
- Orthogonal interconnected channels were precisely created within the scaffolds.
- BMSCs demonstrated good viability within the scaffolds.
- Apatite coating significantly enhanced BMSC spreading and proliferation.
Conclusions:
- The indirect 3DP technique enables precise fabrication of complex, patient-specific scaffolds.
- Apatite coating improves the biological performance of 3D printed scaffolds.
- This method holds promise for osteochondral tissue engineering and complex scaffold fabrication.

