The Design of 3D-Printed Polylactic Acid–Bioglass Composite Scaffold: A Potential Implant Material for Bone Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Bio-based and patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds can present next generation strategies for bone tissue engineering (BTE) to treat critical bone size defects. In the present study, a composite filament of poly lactic acid (PLA) and 45S5 bioglass (BG) were used to 3D print scaffolds intended for bone tissue regeneration. The thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) technique was used to produce composite spheres that were extruded into a continuous filament to 3D print a variety of composite scaffolds. These scaffolds were analyzed for their macro- and microstructures, mechanical properties, in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo biocompatibility. The results show that the BG particles were homogeneously distributed within the PLA matrix and contributed to an 80% increase in the mechanical strength of the scaffolds. The in vitro cytotoxicity analysis of PLA-BG scaffolds using L929 mouse fibroblast cells confirmed their biocompatibility. During the in vivo studies, the population of the cells showed an elevated level of macrophages and active fibroblasts that are involved in collagen extracellular matrix synthesis. This study demonstrates successful processing of PLA-BG 3D-printed composite scaffolds and their potential as an implant material with a tunable pore structure and mechanical properties for regenerative bone tissue engineering.

Bioglass/collagen scaffolds combined with bone marrow stromal cells on bone healing in an experimental model in cranial defects in rats

“…Possibly, the biomimetic composites were able of stimulating bone metabolism, especially due to osteoconductive properties and ability to attract cells of BG. 11,16 Additionally, the collagenic part possibly served a matrix for sustaining cell growth. Associated to all these positive effects, the BMSCs may have differentiated in pre-osteoblastic cells and osteoblast, which possibly resulted in a higher newly formed bone deposition in the region of the defect.…”

“…[8][9][10][11] In addition, the inclusion of an organic material such as collagen (COL) to BG, constituting a biomimetic with a similar composition to bone tissue, has also demonstrated very promising results for bone tissue healing. [12][13][14][15][16] COL, mainly type I, is one of the key components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in vertebrates, with important mechanical and biological roles. 14,17 Furthermore, many authors evidenced the positive effects of BG/COL composites on the acceleration of bone formation and tissue healing in experimental models of bone defects in rats.…”

Surface Modification of Polylactic Acid Bioscaffold Fabricated via 3D Printing for Craniofacial Bone Tissue Engineering

“…PLA is a thermoplastic and biodegradable polymer commonly used as a 3D printing material. Its strong biomechanical properties make it ideal for bone tissue engineering [34][35][36]. In our study, we used PLA as our 3D printing biomaterial and found that different infill densities would produce scaffolds with different porosity.…”

“…Various degradable polymers, including poly-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycaprolactone (PCL), polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and chitosan, can be used to fabricate 3D scaffolds [28][29][30][31][32][33]. Among these materials, PLA is a thermoplastic and biodegradable aliphatic polyester derived from a naturally organic acid and possesses excellent mechanical properties, making it an ideal material in bone tissue engineering [34][35][36].…”

Development and characterization of solvent-based 3D printed polylactic acid/45S5 bioactive glass composites for soft and hard tissue engineering

“…Sultan et al 47 PLA2003D45S5 BG Solvent based 3D printing Developed composite has a biomimetic structure and mechanical properties and can be used in bio implants for soft as well as hard tissue engineering.…”