Multifunctional scaffolds for biomedical applications: Crafting versatile solutions with polycaprolactone enriched by graphene oxide

Abstract

The pressing need for multifunctional materials in medical settings encompasses a wide array of scenarios, necessitating specific tissue functionalities. A critical challenge is the occurrence of biofouling, particularly by contamination in surgical environments, a common cause of scaffolds impairment. Beyond the imperative to avoid infections, it is also essential to integrate scaffolds with living cells to allow for tissue regeneration, mediated by cell attachment. Here, we focus on the development of a versatile material for medical applications, driven by the diverse time-definite events after scaffold implantation. We investigate the potential of incorporating graphene oxide (GO) into polycaprolactone (PCL) and create a composite for 3D printing a scaffold with time-controlled antibacterial and anti-adhesive growth properties. Indeed, the as-produced PCL-GO scaffold displays a local hydrophobic effect, which is translated into a limitation of biological entities-attachment, including a diminished adhesion of bacteriophages and a reduction of E. coli and S. aureus adhesion of ∼81% and ∼69%, respectively. Moreover, the ability to 3D print PCL-GO scaffolds with different heights enables control over cell distribution and attachment, a feature that can be also exploited for cellular confinement, i.e., for microfluidics or wound healing applications. With time, the surface wettability increases, and the scaffold can be populated by cells. Finally, the presence of GO allows for the use of infrared light for the sterilization of scaffolds and the disruption of any bacteria cell that might adhere to the more hydrophilic surface. Overall, our results showcase the potential of PCL-GO as a versatile material for medical applications.

Let’s Print an Ecology in 3D (and 4D)

“…By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and non-renewable resources, as well as due to their biodegradability or recyclability, these materials contribute to ecological sustainability by minimizing environmental impact and promoting circular economy principles. Tailoring the properties of 3D printing materials to specific applications (functional properties) can lead to more efficient and sustainable solutions, e.g., lightweight and high-strength materials can reduce material usage and energy consumption in transportation and aerospace applications, conductive and sensor-integrated materials enable smart and energy-efficient systems for environmental monitoring and control, and bioinspired lightweight composites can mimic the structure and properties of natural water filtration membranes [114][115][116][117]. The primary focus lies in the development of biomaterials suitable for 3D printing, e.g., biocompatible poly(ethylene glycol)diacrylate/nano-hydroxyapatite composites for continuous liquid interface production [118]; colloidal biomaterials using photo-reactive gelatin nanoparticles, showcasing the control over architecture and properties of biomaterial constructs [119]; capillary alginate gel for 3D-printing biomaterial inks to facilitate the integration, infiltration, and vascularization of 3D-printed structures [120]; poly(octamethylene maleate (anhydride) citrate) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate copolymers for biomedical applications, and the potential application of tunable biomaterials in personalized medicine [121]; or even post-decellularized printing of cartilage extracellular matrixes [122].…”