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3D-printable, heat-resistant polycaprolactone-based polymer scaffold for sustained NO release in tissue engineering
Seung Hyeon Kim1, Sangmin Lee2, Han-Jun Kim3
1Department of Dentistry, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, South Korea.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|January 16, 2026
Summary
A novel 3D-printable polymer scaffold releases nitric oxide (NO) to enhance blood vessel growth and bone formation for tissue engineering. This innovative material shows promise for in-situ tissue repair and regeneration applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Conventional nitric oxide (NO) delivery systems face rapid diffusion limitations.
- Tissue engineering requires advanced scaffolds that support both angiogenesis and osteogenesis.
- Developing patient-specific, biomimetic scaffolds is crucial for effective tissue regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a 3D-printable, heat-resistant polymer scaffold capable of controlled nitric oxide (NO) release.
- To evaluate the scaffold's potential for supporting angiogenesis and osteogenesis in tissue engineering.
- To address limitations in current NO delivery systems and create versatile tissue repair solutions.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized a poly(nitrocarbonate)-poly(ε-caprolactone) random copolymer (PNC-ran-PCL) for NO release and 3D printing.
- Conducted in vitro studies using human umbilical vein endothelial cells to assess cytotoxicity and angiogenic potential.
- Performed in vivo studies in a rat calvarial defect model to evaluate vascularization and bone formation.
Main Results:
- The PNC-ran-PCL scaffold demonstrated controlled NO release, overcoming diffusion limitations.
- In vitro tests confirmed the scaffold's non-toxicity and its ability to promote endothelial cell proliferation and activity.
- In vivo studies showed enhanced vascularization and initial bone regeneration in a rat calvarial defect model.
Conclusions:
- The developed NO-releasing, 3D-printable scaffold is non-toxic and supports angiogenesis and early osteogenesis.
- Its thermoplastic properties allow for patient-specific biomimetic structure fabrication.
- The scaffold shows significant potential for in-situ tissue engineering and large-area tissue repair, with further optimization needed for enhanced osteogenic efficacy.
