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Updated: Mar 28, 2026

Novel Process for 3D Printing Decellularized Matrices
Published on: January 7, 2019
3D-printed PCL scaffolds for the cultivation of mesenchymal stem cells
Daniela Steffens1,2, Rodrigo Alvarenga Rezende3, Bruna Santi2
1Post-graduation Program of Biological Science - Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil.
Introduction:
Tissue engineering is a field which is currently under a great deal of investigation for the development and/or restoration of tissue and organs, through the combination of cell therapy with biomaterials. Rapid prototyping or additive manufacturing is a versatile technology which makes possible the fabrication of three dimensional (3D) structures from a wide range of materials with complex geometry and accuracy, such as scaffolds.
Aim:
The aim of this study has been to investigate the interaction between mesenchymal stem cells with poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) biomaterials used for obtaining scaffolds through additive manufacturing.
Materials And Methods:
Scanning electron microscopy, confocal microscopy and biological assays were performed to analyse the successful interaction between the cells and the biomaterials.
Results:
As a result, the number of viable cells attached to the scaffolds was lower when compared to the control group; however, it was possible to observe cells in the scaffolds since day 1 of analysis, with regions of confluence after 21 days of seeding.
Conclusions:
To conclude, these biomaterials are interesting if used as medical artifacts, principally in tissue with prolonged regeneration time and which requires 3D supports with good mechanical properties.

