Demonstrating the Potential of Using Bio-Based Sustainable Polyester Blends for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Polymer Engineering

Background:

• Healthcare applications have significant environmental impact.
• Bio-based polymers offer a sustainable alternative to reduce the carbon footprint.
• Musculoskeletal disorders, including bone injuries, are a major global health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the suitability of a novel sustainable polyester blend (Floreon™) as a scaffold for musculoskeletal applications.
• To assess the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of Floreon™ for bone tissue engineering.
• To investigate the effect of wollastonite modification on the performance of the biopolymer blend.

Main Methods:

• Manufactured 3D-printed constructs using fused deposition modelling (FDM) from the Floreon™ biopolymer blend.
• Modified the biopolymer blend with 15% w/w wollastonite.
• Evaluated in vitro performance using human dermal fibroblasts and rat mesenchymal stromal cells.

Main Results:

• The Floreon™ blend demonstrated biocompatibility, with no significant difference in cell metabolic activity compared to PLA controls over 18 days.
• The material exhibited an impact strength comparable to native bone (just under 10 kJ/m²).
• Modification with wollastonite supported improved osteogenic activity.

Conclusions:

• Floreon™ is a promising, biocompatible, and sustainable material for bone tissue regeneration scaffolds.
• The mechanical properties of Floreon™ align with those of native bone.
• Wollastonite modification enhances the osteogenic potential of the biopolymer blend for orthopedic applications.