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Preliminary Evaluation of 3D Printed Chitosan/Pectin Constructs for Biomedical Applications
Georgia Michailidou1, Zoe Terzopoulou1,2, Argyroula Kehagia1
1Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Technology, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 555 35 Thessaloniki, Greece.
Marine Drugs
|January 20, 2021
Summary
Chitosan and pectin were formulated into 3D printable inks for biomedical uses. Optimized inks and scaffolds showed good pore size and swelling, supporting fibroblast survival.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Chitosan (CS) possesses beneficial properties for biomedical applications.
- Chitosan's poor printing behavior necessitates the addition of a thickening agent like pectin (PEC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop 3D printable inks using chitosan and pectin for biomedical applications.
- To optimize ink formulation and scaffold processing for enhanced printability and biological performance.
Main Methods:
- Pneumatic extrusion was used to prepare chitosan-pectin (CS-PEC) inks.
- Rheological measurements, SEM micrographs, FTIR spectra, and swelling/hydrolysis tests were performed.
- Optimization of 3D printing conditions and post-processing (drying, gelation) was conducted.
Main Results:
- Pectin addition improved the rheological properties of chitosan inks for 3D printing.
- SEM analysis revealed controlled pore size and filament diameter in printed scaffolds.
- FTIR confirmed interactions between CS and PEC.
- Swelling and hydrolysis studies demonstrated the impact of gelation and drying on scaffold behavior.
- Ungelated scaffolds exhibited favorable pore size and swelling, supporting fibroblast survival.
Conclusions:
- CS-PEC inks are suitable for 3D printing via pneumatic extrusion.
- Scaffold properties are significantly influenced by gelation and drying methods.
- Optimized CS-PEC scaffolds show potential for tissue engineering applications due to good biocompatibility.
