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3D-Printed Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)-Cellulose-Based Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications
Alberto Giubilini1,2, Massimo Messori2,3, Federica Bondioli2,3
1Department of Management and Production Engineering (DIGEP), Politecnico di Torino, Torino 10129, Italy.
Biomacromolecules
|August 17, 2023
Summary
This study developed a bio-based composite for tissue engineering using poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) and cellulose nanocrystals. The resulting scaffolds are cytocompatible and their properties can be tuned by adjusting cellulose nanocrystal content.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Science
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Non-bioresorbable scaffolds require removal, risking patient health and increasing healthcare costs.
- Biopolymers show promise for tissue regeneration but often lack optimal mechanical and functional properties.
- Reinforcing agents are crucial for enhancing biopolymer performance in regenerative medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize a novel bio-based and bioresorbable composite material.
- To investigate the potential of using acetylated cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as reinforcing agents for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH).
- To develop 3D scaffolds via additive manufacturing for tissue engineering applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PHBH-CNC biocomposites by compounding.
- Additive manufacturing (AM) to create 3D scaffolds with varying CNC content.
- In vitro cell viability studies and characterization of scaffold properties (water affinity, surface roughness, degradability).
Main Results:
- Successful fabrication and 3D printability of PHBH-CNC biocomposite scaffolds.
- Demonstrated in vitro cytocompatibility of the developed biocomposites.
- CNC content significantly influenced scaffold properties, increasing water affinity, surface roughness, and in vitro degradability.
Conclusions:
- PHBH-CNC biocomposites are promising, bio-based, and bioresorbable materials for tissue engineering.
- Additive manufacturing enables the creation of tunable scaffolds with tailored properties.
- The ability to tune scaffold characteristics via CNC content expands the application potential of PHBH in regenerative medicine.
