Systematic characterization of 3D-printed PCL/β-TCP scaffolds for biomedical devices and bone tissue engineering: Influence of composition and porosity

Abstract

This work aims at providing guidance through systematic experimental characterization, for the design of 3D printed scaffolds for potential orthopaedic applications, focusing on fused deposition modeling (FDM) with a composite of clinically available polycaprolactone (PCL) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). First, we studied the effect of the chemical composition (0% to 60% β-TCP/PCL) on the scaffold's properties. We showed that surface roughness and contact angle were respectively proportional and inversely proportional to the amount of β-TCP, and that degradation rate increased with the amount of ceramic. Biologically, the addition of β-TCP enhanced proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of C3H10. Secondly, we systematically investigated the effect of the composition and the porosity on the 3D printed scaffold mechanical properties. Both an increasing amount of β-TCP and a decreasing porosity augmented the apparent Young's modulus of the 3D printed scaffolds. Third, as a proof-of-concept, a novel multi-material biomimetic implant was designed and fabricated for potential disk replacement.

3D printed polymer–mineral composite biomaterials for bone tissue engineering: Fabrication and characterization

“…The weight ratio of polymer/mineral charge differed from one study to another: usually the amount of mineral remained under 40% of the final material weight, except in eight studies among 62 . The most used polymer/mineral weight ratio was 80/20.…”

“…Different printing technologies were used to develop 3D scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications (Table ). Fused Deposition Modeling was the most frequently used printing technology as it was employed in 38 studies (Figure ) . Low‐temperature deposition manufacturing was used in 11 studies, selective laser sintering in seven studies, Stereolitography in three studies …”

“…PCL, PLA, and PLGA were the most used polymers. PCL was the most used polymer as it was found in 29 articles . PLA was used in 13 studies and PLGA in 14 studies .…”

“…Several minerals can be used to increase polymer bioactivity. TCP was the most frequent and it was used in 32 studies . HA was the second most used mineral, in its non‐modified form in 25 studies, its carbonated form in two studies, its sintered form in one study or just as an apatite coating in two studies .…”

Stretchable poly(glycerol‐sebacate)/β‐tricalcium phosphate composites with shape recovery feature by extrusion

“…Previous studies regarding composite materials that contain β‐TCP mostly focused on the increased cell proliferation in proportion to increasing β‐TCP ratio . Although β‐TCP has a direct effect on cell proliferation in some cases, it is not sufficient by itself as many other researchers emphasized as well.…”