Extrusion-Based 3D Printing of Bioactive Cellulose Acetate-Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds for Osteogenic Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Developing advanced biomaterials is crucial for bone tissue engineering.
• Cellulose acetate (CA) offers potential but requires modification for enhanced bioactivity.
• Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a key component for bone regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize cellulose acetate (CA) and hydroxyapatite-reinforced CA (CAHA5) bioinks.
• To evaluate 3D-printed scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.
• To assess the mechanical, surface, and biological properties of CA and CAHA5 scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Extrusion-based 3D printing of CA and CAHA5 scaffolds.
• Characterization using SEM, FT-IR, and EDS.
• Mechanical testing (compression and tension), contact angle, degradation, and swelling measurements.
• Biological evaluation with mice mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).

Main Results:

• SEM, FT-IR, and EDS confirmed scaffold integrity and HA incorporation.
• Tunable surface wettability and fluid uptake were observed.
• HA incorporation reduced mechanical strength and increased brittleness but maintained stiffness.
• CAHA5 scaffolds promoted favorable MSC adhesion and osteogenic differentiation.

Conclusions:

• CAHA5 bioinks are promising for fabricating biocompatible and osteoinductive bone scaffolds.
• Enhanced bioactivity is achieved with CAHA5, balancing mechanical properties.
• These findings support the use of CAHA5 in 3D-printed scaffolds for bone regeneration.