Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026
07:17
Author Spotlight: Understanding Chronic Lung Diseases Using 3D Printed Phototunable Hydrogels
Published on: June 30, 2023
2.2K
Modulating Bioglass Concentration in 3D Printed Poly(propylene fumarate) Scaffolds for Post-Printing
Alex P Kleinfehn1, Jan A Lammel Lindemann2,3,4, Ali Razvi2
1Department of Polymer Science , The University of Akron , Akron , Ohio 44325 , United States.
Biomacromolecules
|October 30, 2019
Summary
Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) resins were enhanced with Bioglass microparticles for 3D printing bone scaffolds. This strategy enables post-printing functionalization, improving potential for bone tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) is a promising biomaterial for 3D printing bone scaffolds due to its bone-like strength.
- Current PPF scaffolds lack specific cell attachment and osteogenic signaling, hindering bone formation.
- Bioglass incorporation offers a solution for enhancing PPF scaffold functionality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To incorporate Bioglass microparticles into PPF to create a 3D printable resin.
- To investigate the effect of Bioglass concentration on resin viscosity and printability.
- To demonstrate the post-printing functionalization capability of Bioglass-containing PPF scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- PPF-Bioglass resins were prepared with Bioglass concentrations from 0 to 10 wt %.
- Zero-shear viscosity was measured to assess resin properties.
- 3D printing was performed to evaluate printability.
- Post-printing functionalization using catechol chemistry was analyzed with a dye analyte.
Main Results:
- Resin viscosity increased proportionally with Bioglass concentration, from 0.22 Pa·s (0 wt %) to 1.31 Pa·s (10 wt %).
- All Bioglass concentrations maintained 3D printability without failures.
- Surface functionalization increased with Bioglass concentration, reaching up to 157 nmol/cm².
Conclusions:
- Incorporating Bioglass into PPF creates a versatile 3D printable resin for bone scaffolds.
- The Bioglass component enables tunable post-printing functionalization for enhanced bone regeneration.
- This approach offers a translationally relevant strategy for developing advanced bone tissue engineering constructs.
