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Ceramic Omnidirectional Bioprinting in Cell-Laden Suspensions for the Generation of Bone Analogs
Published on: August 8, 2022
Process Development for Fabricating 3D-Printed Polycaprolactone-Infiltrated Hydroxyapatite Bone Graft Granules:
Faungchat Thammarakcharoen1, Autcharaporn Srion1, Waraporn Suvannapruk1
1Biofunctional Materials and Devices Research Group, National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand.
Researchers developed a new method for creating polycaprolactone-ininfiltrated three-dimensionally printed hydroxyapatite (3DP HA/PCL) bone graft granules. The 50% PCL solution with an NMP-DI mixture yielded the most promising results for bone regeneration applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Engineering
- Orthopedic and Dental Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Bone grafts are crucial for orthopedic and dental surgery to enhance bone repair.
- Previous 3D-printed hydroxyapatite/polycaprolactone (3DP HA/PCL) bone grafts faced granule agglomeration issues.
- Developing non-agglomerating 3DP HA/PCL granules is essential for improved clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a fabrication process for 3DP HA/PCL bone graft granules using solution infiltration and liquid agitation.
- To investigate the effects of PCL concentration and agitation liquid on granule properties.
- To identify optimal conditions for producing biocompatible and mechanically robust bone graft granules.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 3DP HA/PCL granules via solution infiltration and liquid agitation.
- Varied polycaprolactone (PCL) concentrations (40%, 50% w/w) and agitation liquids (DI water, NMP, NMP-DI mixture).
- Characterization using XRD, FTIR, contact angle measurements, mechanical testing (compression, tensile), SEM, and cell proliferation assays (MC3T3-E1).
Main Results:
- XRD and FTIR confirmed HA and PCL presence; PCL content was consistent across conditions.
- The 50% PCL solution with DI or NMP-DI mixture showed superior compression load resistance and diametral tensile strength.
- DI produced dense PCL coating, while NMP/NMP-DI resulted in porous, irregular surfaces; all samples had porous internal microstructures.
- Biocompatibility tests indicated good cell proliferation, with highest OD values for 50% PCL with DI or NMP-DI mixture.
Conclusions:
- The solution infiltration and liquid agitation method successfully produced non-agglomerating 3DP HA/PCL bone graft granules.
- The 50% PCL solution combined with the NMP-DI mixture demonstrated the most favorable microstructural, mechanical, and biological properties.
- This optimized 3DP HA/PCL granule fabrication holds significant potential for bone regeneration applications.
