Evaluation of sterilizable 3D-printed cell culture platforms using multiple FDM materials and their effects on cell...

Global supply chain instability has intensified the demand for alternative manufacturing methods in biomedical research. In the study, we developed an on-demand production method to produce cell culture vessels using consumer-grade fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers and biodegradable polymers. Through systematic optimization of printing parameters and development of a novel thermocompression post-printing technique, 0.1-mm-thick coverslips were fabricated, which eliminated interlayer defects and exhibited adequate optical clarity for microscopic observation. This study consolidated data from the evaluation of several FDM filaments, including polylactic acid (PLA), PXA, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and PHA/PLA blends. PHA and PHA/PLA blends were identified as being better suited for autoclave sterilization due to their inherent thermal stability, whereas PLA and PXA were largely or completely incapable of autoclave sterilization. From a cell culture perspective, PLA is susceptible to trypsin degradation during cell passaging, so its reuse should be restricted to a few passages. In contrast, PHA represents a more suitable material for cell culture. Among evaluated materials, PHA emerged as particularly promising due to its biocompatibility, showing neither stimulatory nor inhibitory effects on cell proliferation compared to other materials. The results established that properly processed 3D-printed coverslips or dishes can serve as fully functional alternatives to commercial cell culture products and resolve the inherent issue of poor microscopic imaging performance in 3D-printed dishes. KEY POINTS: PHA offers a superior alternative for environmentally-friendly materials. 3D printing coupled with TCPP enhances transparency and microscopic observability. Three-dimensional printing enables custom on-demand devices and boosts efficiency.