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FDM 3D Printed Composites for Bone Tissue Engineering Based on Plasticized Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/poly(d,l-lactide)
Veronika Melčová1, Kateřina Svoradová1, Přemysl Menčík1
1Institute of Material Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 464/118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
Polymers
|December 2, 2020
Summary
This study developed novel plasticized poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/poly(d,l-lactide) filaments for 3D printing tissue engineering scaffolds. Syncroflex plasticizer improved printability and biocompatibility, showing promising results for regenerative medicine applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Developing functional scaffolds is crucial for regenerative medicine.
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) offers potential for scaffold fabrication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and evaluate plasticized poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/poly(d,l-lactide) filaments for FDM.
- To compare the effects of two plasticizers (Citrofex and Syncroflex) on material properties and biological performance.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/poly(d,l-lactide) blends with tricalcium phosphate.
- Optimization of FDM printing parameters and evaluation using a warping test.
- Assessment of thermal, mechanical, and in vitro biological properties (cell proliferation, viability, osteogenic differentiation).
Main Results:
- Citroflex resulted in good softening but poor printability and biological performance.
- Syncroflex demonstrated reduced warping (one-third lower than commercial polylactide), non-cytotoxicity, and promising biocompatibility.
- Differential scanning calorimetry and tensile measurements informed material property analysis.
Conclusions:
- Syncroflex is a suitable plasticizer for developing biocompatible and printable filaments for tissue engineering scaffolds.
- The Syncroflex-based material shows potential for applications in regenerative medicine.
- Further research is warranted to optimize osteogenic differentiation potential.
