Starch-Based scaffold produced by FDM 3D printing technique as Innovative and biosustainable wound dressing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Starch, a safe biopolymer, has limitations in wound scaffold applications due to poor mechanical and thermal properties.
• Current use of starch in scaffolds is often limited to low concentrations or blends with other biopolymers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To produce thermoplastic filaments (TPS) with high starch content for Fusion Deposition Modelling (FDM) 3D printing.
• To enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of starch-based scaffolds.
• To evaluate the performance of starch-based scaffolds with and without polycaprolactone (PCL) or methylsulphonylmethane (MSM) additions.

Main Methods:

• Thermoplastic starch (TPS) filaments were produced via hot melt extrusion using 70% starch and 30% glycerol.
• Additives including montmorillonite, citric acid, and magnesium stearate were incorporated to improve strength and processability.
• Scaffolds were characterized, with mechanical properties assessed using Brillouin Light Scattering.
• In vitro studies evaluated scaffold hydration, cytotoxicity on keratinocytes, and antibacterial activity against S. pyogenes.

Main Results:

• The developed TPS scaffolds demonstrated significant hydration capacity, reaching 35% in 7 days.
• In vitro tests confirmed the scaffolds' safety for keratinocytes, with viability exceeding 70% and stimulated growth.
• The scaffolds effectively inhibited the growth of S. pyogenes.

Conclusions:

• High-starch content TPS filaments can be successfully produced for 3D printing wound scaffolds.
• The enhanced starch scaffolds exhibit promising properties for deep wound treatment, including hydration, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial activity.
• Further investigation into PCL or MSM additions may offer additional benefits for scaffold performance.