3D-Printed Biobased Porous Polymer Scaffolds Reinforced with Bioactive Glasses by High Internal Phase Emulsion...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Developing advanced scaffolds is crucial for effective bone tissue engineering.
• Biobased materials offer sustainable alternatives for biomedical applications.
• Incorporating bioactive components can enhance osteogenic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel biobased thiol-ene polyHIPE scaffolds.
• To investigate the effect of bioactive glass particle incorporation on scaffold properties.
• To assess the biological performance of these scaffolds for bone regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Scaffolds fabricated using HIPE templating of biobased acrylated epoxidized soybean oil and trithiol.
• Bioactive glass particles incorporated and characterized using FTIR and SEM-EDS.
• Physical, mechanical, and thermal properties evaluated.
• In vitro cell culture studies with MG-63 osteoblastic cells performed.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis and homogeneous incorporation of bioactive glass particles confirmed.
• Scaffolds exhibited interconnected porosity and tunable properties.
• MG-63 cells demonstrated adhesion and proliferation over 7 days.
• Evidence of osteogenesis observed after 28 days, enhanced by bioactive glass.

Conclusions:

• Biobased polyHIPE scaffolds with bioactive glass are suitable for bone tissue engineering.
• Bioactive glass incorporation improves cell response and osteogenic differentiation.
• 3D printing capability allows for patient-specific scaffold design while maintaining porosity.