Biomimetic mineral-organic composite scaffolds with controlled internal architecture

Abstract

Bone and cartilage generation by three-dimensional scaffolds is one of the promising techniques in tissue engineering. One approach is to generate histologically and functionally normal tissue by delivering healthy cells in biocompatible scaffolds. These scaffolds provide the necessary support for cells to proliferate and maintain their differentiated function, and their architecture defines the ultimate shape. Rapid prototyping (RP) is a technology by which a complex 3-dimensional (3D) structure can be produced indirectly from computer aided design (CAD). The present study aims at developing a 3D organic-inorganic composite scaffold with defined internal architecture by a RP method utilizing a 3D printer to produce wax molds. The composite scaffolds consisting of chitosan and hydroxyapatite were prepared using soluble wax molds. The behaviour and response of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cells on the scaffolds was studied. During a culture period of two and three weeks, cell proliferation and in-growth were observed by phase contrast light microscopy, histological staining and electron microscopy. The Giemsa and Gömöri staining of the cells cultured on scaffolds showed that the cells proliferated not only on the surface, but also filled the micro pores of the scaffolds and produced extracellular matrix within the pores. The electron micrographs showed that the cells covering the surface of the struts were flattened and grew from the periphery into the middle region of the pores. C 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.

Single‐step mineralization of woodpile chitosan scaffolds with improved cell compatibility

“…This is further complicated as all mineralization processes are ultimately controlled through the cells directly associated to the tissue formation. 5 Biomimetic mineralization is a powerful approach for the synthesis of advanced scaffold materials with complex shapes, hierarchical organization, and controlled size, shape, and morphology under ambient conditions in aqueous environments. Recently formation of calcium phosphate over various polymeric substrates has been induced by a biomimetic approach.…”

Introductory Chapter: Multi-Aspect Bibliographic Analysis of the Synergy of Technical, Biological and Medical Sciences Concerning Materials and Technologies Used for Medical and Dental Implantable Devices

“…This method is also used for the integration of hydroxyapatite used for bone regeneration, and an aqueous citric acid solution is used for integration of ceramics based on calcium phosphate [434]. A method of three-dimensional printing hot wax droplets [435] could be used for manufacture a replica of the scaffold surface, e.g., bone and gristle substitutes fabricated with the SFF method. The limitations of the method originate from wax impurities with biologically incompatible solvents [436], which are not exhibited by new generation materials such as BioBuild and BioSupport dissolving in ethanol or water [436].…”

Future Prospective

“…Early stages of technological development attempted to create biocompatible composite scaffolds using a 3D printer [ 20 ]. Cell proliferation and inward growth onto the scaffolds were observed in ex vivo culture.…”