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Inversely 3D-Printed β-TCP Scaffolds for Bone Replacement
Michael Seidenstuecker1, Svenja Lange2,3, Steffen Esslinger4,5
1G.E.R.N. Tissue Replacement, Regeneration & Neogenesis, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Center - Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Straße 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany. michael.seidenstuecker@uniklinik-freiburg.de.
This study demonstrates that fused deposition modeling is effective for creating beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) bone scaffolds with controlled pore sizes. The scaffolds support robust cell growth and show good biocompatibility, indicating suitability for bone regeneration applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) is a promising material for bone regeneration due to its biocompatibility.
- Controlling scaffold architecture, particularly pore size, is crucial for effective bone ingrowth and vascularization.
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) offers potential for precise fabrication of complex scaffold structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To predefine and characterize β-TCP scaffolds with varying macro pore sizes (500, 750, 1000 µm).
- To investigate the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of these β-TCP scaffolds.
- To evaluate cellular behavior, including adhesion and proliferation, within the fabricated scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- Utilized fused deposition modeling (FDM) with polylactide (PLA) sacrificial structures to create molds for β-TCP scaffolds.
- Employed slip casting and sintering at 1250 °C to produce β-TCP scaffolds.
- Conducted mechanical testing (compressive strength) and simulated body fluid (SBF) incubation.
- Assessed biocompatibility using Live/Dead, cell proliferation, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays.
Main Results:
- Scaffolds with 500 µm pore size exhibited the highest compressive strength (3.4 ± 0.2 MPa native, 2.8 ± 0.2 MPa after SBF).
- Simulated body fluid (SBF) reduced scaffold stability, with greater reduction in larger pore sizes (56-82%).
- No cytotoxicity was detected (no LDH activity), and significant cell proliferation and adherence were observed on both outer and inner scaffold surfaces.
- Cells demonstrated sustained growth within the scaffolds over 10 days, indicating excellent ingrowth potential.
Conclusions:
- The FDM-based inverse 3D printing method is highly suitable for fabricating β-TCP scaffolds with controlled macro pore structures.
- The characterized β-TCP scaffolds demonstrate excellent biocompatibility and support robust cell proliferation and ingrowth, essential for bone regeneration.
- The study confirms the potential of these custom-designed β-TCP scaffolds for bone replacement applications.
