Advanced Bioresin Formulation for 3D-Printed Bone Scaffolds: PCLDMA and p-PLA Integration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Scaffold properties like pore size and mechanical strength are critical for bone tissue engineering.
• Polycaprolactone dimethacrylate (PCLDMA) was synthesized from polycaprolactone (PCL).
• PCLDMA was blended with polylactic acid (p-PLA) for 3D printing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize PCLDMA/p-PLA composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.
• To evaluate the mechanical properties, degradation kinetics, and biocompatibility of the composite scaffolds.
• To identify the optimal PCLDMA/p-PLA ratio for bone scaffold applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of PCLDMA via polycaprolactone (PCL), epichlorohydrin (Epi-PCL), and methacryloyl chloride (Meth-Cl).
• 3D printing of scaffolds using stereolithography (SLA) with PCLDMA/p-PLA blends.
• Characterization using NMR, FTIR, SEM, compression testing, degradation studies, and human osteoblast (HOB) cell viability assays.

Main Results:

• PCLDMA/p-PLA composite scaffolds exhibited superior properties compared to individual polymers.
• The PCLDMA-60 (60% PCLDMA, 40% p-PLA) composite showed optimal characteristics.
• Compressive strength ranged from 0.019 to 16.185 MPa, porosity from 2% to 50%, and degradation rates were low (0-0.4% over 3 days).
• Cell viability assays confirmed good biocompatibility across different PCLDMA ratios.

Conclusions:

• PCLDMA/p-PLA composite scaffolds, especially the PCLDMA-60 formulation, offer a promising material for bone tissue engineering.
• The developed scaffolds possess tunable mechanical properties and good biocompatibility.
• Further research into these composite scaffolds could advance bone regeneration strategies.