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Fabrication of 3D-Printed Scaffolds with Multiscale Porosity.
Rafał Podgórski1, Michał Wojasiński1, Artur Małolepszy1
1Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Waryńskiego 1, 00-645 Warsaw, Poland.
ACS Omega
|July 15, 2024
Summary
This study presents a simple method for creating porous 3D-printed bone scaffolds using polycaprolactone, beta-tricalcium phosphate, and polyethylene glycol. The technique enhances biocompatibility and bone regeneration with readily available materials and equipment.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Porous materials enhance bone tissue regeneration but present production challenges.
- 3D printing offers potential for bone implants, requiring improved efficiency and biocompatibility.
- Existing methods for porous scaffold fabrication have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple method for producing polymer-ceramic filaments for 3D-printed porous bone scaffolds.
- To create scaffolds with micrometer-scale porous structures on their surfaces.
- To improve the efficiency and accessibility of porous scaffold production for bone regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized polycaprolactone (PCL), β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as porogen.
- Employed pressurized filament extrusion to create PCL/β-TCP/PEG filaments for fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printers.
- Washed 3D-printed scaffolds in ethanol to remove PEG, revealing surface microporosity and ceramic particles.
Main Results:
- Successfully produced flexible filaments suitable for FFF 3D printing.
- Revealed well-organized microporous structures and exposed ceramic particles on scaffold surfaces after PEG removal.
- Demonstrated good printing precision, non-cytotoxic properties, and significant MG63 cell alignment.
- Achieved porous scaffold production without advanced equipment.
Conclusions:
- The presented method offers a straightforward approach to fabricating porous PCL/β-TCP scaffolds for bone regeneration.
- The developed filaments are compatible with standard FFF 3D printers, facilitating wider accessibility.
- The technique effectively creates scaffolds with enhanced surface properties for improved cellular interaction and potential bone ingrowth.
