Microfabrication of Gelatin Methacrylate/Hydroxyapatite Composites by Utilizing Alternate Soaking Process

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Developing 3D scaffolds that mimic bone microstructure is crucial for bone regeneration.
• Existing methods often struggle to replicate the complex hierarchical structure of bone.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate 3D hydrogel models mimicking bone microstructure.
• To modify these models with hydroxyapatite (HAp) using an alternate soaking process (ASP).
• To evaluate the effect of HAp modification on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) behavior.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of polymerized gelatin methacrylate (pGelMA) line and pyramid models using stereolithography.
• Modification of pGelMA models with HAp via ASP by controlling immersion time and cycle number.
• Assessment of HAp coverage and MSC adhesion on the modified scaffolds.

Main Results:

• Successful HAp modification of pGelMA models (100-600 μm widths) was achieved through ASP.
• Increased immersion time and cycles in ASP led to greater HAp coverage.
• MSC adhesion and spread on pGelMA-HAp scaffolds were dependent on ASP conditions.

Conclusions:

• The two-step fabrication method enables the creation of HAp-modified 3D hydrogel scaffolds.
• This approach facilitates the development of advanced 3D cell culture systems for bone grafts and biological niches.
• The technique holds promise for creating artificial bone marrow and other bone regenerative therapies.