Hybrid multi-layered scaffolds produced via grain extrusion and electrospinning for 3D cell culture tests

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on the production of scaffolds with specific morphology and mechanical behavior to satisfy specific requirements regarding their stiffness, biological interactions and surface structure that can promote cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions though proper porosity, pore size and interconnectivity. Design/methodology/approach This case study was focused on the production of multi-layered hybrid scaffolds made of polycaprolactone and consisting in supporting grids obtained by Material Extrusion (ME) alternated with electrospun layers. An open source 3D printer was utilized, with a grain extrusion head that allows the production and distribution of strands on the plate according to the designed geometry. Square grid samples were observed under optical microscope showing a good interconnectivity and spatial distribution of the pores, while scanning electron microscope analysis was used to study the electrospun mats morphology. Findings A good adhesion between the ME and electrospinning layers was achieved by compression under specific thermomechanical conditions obtaining a hybrid three-dimensional scaffold. The mechanical performances of the scaffolds have been analyzed by compression tests, and the biological characterization was carried out by seeding two different cells phenotypes on each side of the substrates. Originality/value The structure of the multi-layered scaffolds demonstrated to play an important role in promoting cell attachment and proliferation in a 3D culture formation. It is expected that this design will improve the performances of osteochondral scaffolds with a strong influence on the required formation of an interface tissue and structure that need to be rebuilt.

Cancer Cell Direct Bioprinting: A Focused Review

“…Using novel techniques such as the tumor-on-a-chip to study patient-specific glioblastomas [ 122 ], collagen-hydroxyapatite scaffolds as osteochondral substitutes [ 193 ], and the optimization of the proper bioprinting process [ 194 ], may also can enhance the progress on cancer bioprinting. The production of hybrid scaffolds, by the combination of two different 3D printing technologies [ 195 ], may also be helpful to reproduce more of the natural extracellular matrix, which may be applied to rebuild the cancer microenvironment in vitro. Therefore, not only are cancer bioprinting advances necessary, but studies not directly related to cancer bioprinting may also be modified to refine high resolution multi-material bioprinters [ 196 ], to accomplish more comprehension on tumor biology and targeted treatments.…”

3D Printed Multiphasic Scaffolds for Osteochondral Repair: Challenges and Opportunities

“…The capabilities of thermopolymer-based ME (Figure 4A,H,K) are in creating porous structures which is most relevant to the subchondral bone phase. In the subchondral bone phase of multiphasic OC scaffolds, pore size is widespread between 0.3-1.0 mm, while the porosities lie between approximately 70-80% [103,106,130,154]. These indicative capabilities of ME extrusion with thermopolymer-based materials (the porosity range of subchondral bone and the pore size) were suggested to facilitate bone growth.…”

3D-printed gradient scaffolds for osteochondral defects: Current status and perspectives

“…Porous structures similar to SB can be printed with thermopolymer-based ME technology to promote bone growth. The pore size for the SB section of the multiphase osteochondral scaffold is usually 0.3–1.0 mm, with a porosity of 70%–80% [ 50 , 51 ] . ME printing technology based on bioceramics is mainly used in the CCZ and SB sections of osteochondral scaffolds [ 52 ] .…”