A Computational Model for the Release of Bioactive Molecules by the Hydrolytic Degradation of a Functionalized
Elisa Batoni1, Amedeo Franco Bonatti1, Carmelo De Maria1
1Research Center E. Piaggio, Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
Abstract:
This work presents a computational model to study the degradation behavior of polyester-based three-dimensional (3D) functionalized scaffolds for bone regeneration. As a case study, we investigated the behavior of a 3D-printed scaffold presenting a functionalized surface with ICOS-Fc, a bioactive protein able to stimulate bone regeneration and healing, inhibiting osteoclast activity. The aim of the model was to optimize the scaffold design to control its degradation and thus the release of grafted protein over time and space. Two different scenarios were considered: (i) a scaffold without macroporosity presenting a functionalized external surface; and (ii) a scaffold presenting an internal functionalized macroporous architecture with open channels to locally deliver the degradation products.
