Electrohydrodynamic 3D Printing Scaffolds for Repair of Achilles Tendon Defect in Rats

Tissue engineering (TE) studies for Achilles tendon (AT) defects are a difficult and popular field in orthopedic medical practice. In this study, we applied electrohydrodynamic three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to construct scaffolds made of poly-(ɛ-ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) and Pluronic F127 (F127) with different mass-volume ratios. The fibers and porous capabilities of the scaffolds were controlled using this technology. We found that F127 improved the hydrophilicity and degradation of PCL in vitro. The PCL scaffolds with 5% F127 were mostly favorable for cell adhesion and growth, suggesting that the scaffolds had good biocompatibility in vitro. Scaffolds with 5% F127 seeded with C3H10T1/2 cells were transplanted into AT defects in rats. A histological analysis indicated that the TE scaffolds were beneficial for the accumulation and arrangement of collagen fibers. Thus, this study provides fundamental experimental data for future clinical applications regarding TE for ATs. Impact statement Electrohydrodynamic three-dimensional (3D) printing can be used to construct tissue-engineered scaffolds with controllable fibers and good porosity. Pluronic-F127 (F127) improved the hydrophilicity and degradation of the poly-(ɛ-ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL), and a better microscale structure was obtained. The scaffolds with 5% F127, with good pore structures, were favorable for C3H10T1/2 cell growth and cellular morphology, indicating that they had good biocompatibility. In vivo transplantation experiments showed that scaffolds with 5% F127 improved the arrangement of collagen fibers, encouraging their potential application in the construction of future tissue-engineered tendons.