A Nanoporous 3D-Printed Scaffold for Local Antibiotic Delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Engineering
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Traditional bone defect reconstruction methods face limitations like poor bone healing and implant-related infections.
• Tissue engineering and bioactive implants offer solutions, but infection and antimicrobial resistance remain significant challenges.
• 3D-printed implants provide a platform for localized therapeutic delivery, addressing these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the 3D printability and antibiotic release kinetics of two commercial porous filaments, LAY-FOMM and LAY-FELT.
• To evaluate the suitability of these materials for bone tissue engineering and local drug delivery applications.
• To assess the potential of these 3D-printed scaffolds in preventing orthopedic infections.

Main Methods:

• Two types of 3D-printed porous filaments (LAY-FOMM and LAY-FELT) were utilized.
• Scaffolds were fabricated using 3D printing for drug delivery applications.
• Sustained release of Tetracycline was measured over 3 days.
• Cytotoxicity of drug-loaded materials was assessed using primary human fibroblasts.

Main Results:

• Both LAY-FOMM and LAY-FELT demonstrated consistent 3D printability into scaffolds suitable for drug delivery.
• Sustained release of Tetracycline was observed over 3 days, irrespective of material type or infill geometry.
• The drug-loaded 3D-printed materials exhibited no cytotoxicity when cultured with human fibroblasts.

Conclusions:

• LAY-FOMM and LAY-FELT 3D-printed scaffolds are suitable for local antibiotic delivery.
• These materials show potential for prophylactic infection reduction in orthopedic reconstruction surgery.
• 3D-printed porous filaments offer a promising approach for combining bone repair with localized therapeutic delivery.