Mechanical and biological effects of infiltration with biopolymers on 3D printed tricalciumphosphate scaffolds

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of infiltrating 3D printed (TCP) scaffolds with different biodegradable polymers on their mechanical and biological properties. 3D printed TCP scaffolds with interconnecting channels measuring 450±50 µm were infiltrated with four different biodegradable copolymers. To determine the average compressive strength, a uniaxial testing system was used. Additionally, scaffolds were seeded with MC3T3 cells and cell viability was assessed by live/dead-assay. Uninfiltrated TCP had an average compression strength of 1.92±0.38 MPa. Mechanical stability was considerably increased in all infiltrated scaffolds up to a maximum of 7.36±0.57 MPa. All scaffolds demonstrated high cell survival rates with a maximum of 94±10 % living cells. In conclusion, infiltration of 3D printed tricalcium phosphate scaffolds with biodegradable polymers significantly improved mechanical properties and biological properties were comparable to those of uninfiltrated TCP scaffolds.