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About 3D Printability of Thermoplastic Collagen for Biomedical Applications
Marina Passos1,2, Sergej Zankovic1, Graça Minas3
1G.E.R.N. Center of Tissue Replacement, Regeneration & Neogenesis, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Center-Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Straße 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 23, 2022
Summary
Thermoplastic collagen (TC) can be 3D printed into porous scaffolds for bone infection treatment. This novel approach offers customizable drug delivery systems to support implant repair.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Over 1.5 million knee and hip implants are placed annually, necessitating effective drug delivery systems for bone infection repair.
- Natural biopolymer scaffolds are common for bone repair but lack customizability due to processing limitations.
- There is a need for advanced scaffolds that support bone infection repair and are highly customizable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a thermoplastic collagen (TC) scaffold using 3D printing technology.
- To assess the processability and mechanical properties of TC for scaffold fabrication.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of creating customizable TC scaffolds for orthopedic applications.
Main Methods:
- Thermoplastic collagen (TC) material viscosity was analyzed using rheometry.
- Scaffolds were fabricated from TC using a 3D bioplotter.
- Mechanical properties of the TC scaffolds were evaluated via tension/compression testing.
Main Results:
- TC exhibited increased compressibility with rising temperature and decreased viscosity (η), storage modulus (G'), and loss modulus (G″).
- The compressive strength of the fabricated TC scaffolds ranged from 3-10 MPa, varying with geometry and infill.
- This study successfully demonstrated the 3D printing of porous TC scaffolds in diverse geometries.
Conclusions:
- Thermoplastic collagen is a viable material for fabricating customizable, 3D-printed porous scaffolds.
- These TC scaffolds show potential as advanced drug delivery systems for bone infection treatment.
- The developed 3D printing method offers a novel approach to creating patient-specific orthopedic implants.
