Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 12, 2025
Ceramic Omnidirectional Bioprinting in Cell-Laden Suspensions for the Generation of Bone Analogs
Published on: August 8, 2022
Beeswax-enriched tricalcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite/sodium alginate/thymol 3D-printed scaffolds for application in
Martinho J Francisco1, Cátia S D Cabral2, Paula Ferreira3
1RISE-Health, Departamento de Ciências Médicas, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; AEROG-LAETA, Aerospace Sciences Department, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
This study developed novel 3D bone tissue engineering scaffolds using a composite mixture. The scaffolds enhance osteoblast growth, improve mechanical strength, and prevent bacterial infections, addressing key challenges in bone regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Bone tissue engineering (BTE) faces challenges in creating functional scaffolds.
- Effective BTE scaffolds require appropriate mechanical properties, cell integration, and infection resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel 3D scaffolds for BTE using a rapid prototyping technique.
- To evaluate the mechanical, biological, and antibacterial properties of a new composite material.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 3D scaffolds using a Fab@Home 3D-Plotter with a novel composite (tricalcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, sodium alginate, beeswax, thymol).
- Assessment of scaffold surface morphology, hydrophilic properties, mechanical strength (compressive strength, Young modulus), and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
- In vitro cytocompatibility testing with Human osteoblasts (hOB) over 21 days, including cell adhesion, proliferation, and apatite formation.
Main Results:
- Beeswax and thymol incorporation created rougher surfaces and moderate hydrophilicity, promoting cell adhesion.
- Scaffolds with beeswax exhibited mechanical strength comparable to trabecular bone.
- Thymol effectively inhibited Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli adhesion and proliferation.
- Scaffolds supported Human osteoblast adhesion and proliferation, with evidence of apatite crystal formation.
Conclusions:
- The developed composite 3D scaffolds show significant promise for bone tissue engineering applications.
- The scaffolds facilitate osteoblast growth, possess suitable mechanical properties, and offer protection against common bacterial infections.
- This approach addresses critical limitations in current implant-based bone regeneration therapies.
