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Device Design and Advanced Computed Tomography of 3D Printed Radiopaque Composite Scaffolds and Meniscus
Mitchell Delemeester1,2, Kendell M Pawelec1, Jeremy M L Hix1,3
1Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
Advanced Functional Materials
|December 2, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed a radiopaque 3D printed biomaterial using bismuth oxide-doped polycaprolactone for enhanced tissue engineering scaffold monitoring. This innovation allows for detailed visualization using X-ray technologies, improving personalized medicine in orthopedics.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Radiology
- Personalized Medicine
Background:
- 3D printed biomaterials offer personalized solutions for tissue repair, particularly in orthopedics.
- Current methods for monitoring tissue engineering scaffolds (TES) lack detailed radiographic visibility.
- Radiopaque materials are needed to integrate TES with advanced diagnostic imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a radiopaque polycaprolactone (PCL) composite for 3D printing tissue engineering scaffolds.
- To enable comprehensive monitoring of TES using X-ray technologies, including spectral photon counting X-ray computed tomography (SPCCT).
- To evaluate the material's suitability for orthopedic applications and in vivo imaging.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PCL filaments with homogeneous bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) nanoparticle (NP) dispersion (0.8-11.7 wt%).
- 3D printing of TES using the composite filament, optimizing parameters for complex geometries.
- Characterization via micro-computed tomography (μCT), tensile testing, cytocompatibility studies, and in vivo/ex vivo imaging in mouse and swine models.
Main Results:
- 2 wt% Bi2O3 NPs enhanced tensile properties and maintained cytocompatibility with PCL.
- The composite demonstrated excellent radiographic distinguishability and validated in vivo performance via μCT.
- 3D printed swine menisci using the composite were successfully implanted and visualized using clinical CT and SPCCT.
Conclusions:
- The Bi2O3-doped PCL composite is a promising radiopaque biomaterial for 3D printed TES.
- This material facilitates advanced imaging for comprehensive scaffold monitoring and personalized orthopedic applications.
- SPCCT offers unambiguous in situ identification of implanted scaffolds, advancing diagnostic capabilities.
