3D Printed Silicone-Hydrogel Scaffold with Enhanced Physicochemical Properties

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Tissue engineering scaffolds require multiple functionalities to guide cell behavior via mechanical, chemical, and electrical cues.
• Fabricating such advanced scaffolds from clinically approved materials presents a significant challenge.
• Controlling cell fate and delivering biomolecules are crucial for effective tissue regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a tissue engineering scaffold using clinically approved materials.
• To create a scaffold capable of delivering biomolecules and directing cell fate.
• To develop a 3D interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) scaffold using a combination of polymer casting and supercritical fluid technology.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 3D printing approach combining polymer casting with supercritical fluid technology.
• Fabricated scaffolds from silicone-poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-co-poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (pHEMA-co-PEGMEA).
• Assessed scaffold performance by culturing human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) and demonstrating sustained doxycycline (DOX) release.

Main Results:

• The pHEMA-co-PEGMEA IPN scaffolds supported high hMSC viability and metabolic activity for 3 weeks.
• Scaffolds facilitated 3D tissue formation with well-spread cell morphology.
• Sustained DOX release was confirmed, with demonstrated biological activity in a gene expression assay.

Conclusions:

• The developed IPN scaffolds are fabricated from clinically approved materials.
• These scaffolds exhibit excellent biocompatibility and support tissue formation.
• The IPN scaffolds show potential for directing stem cell differentiation through controlled chemical release.