Fabrication of a highly ordered hierarchically designed porous nanocomposite via indirect 3D printing: Mechanical properties and in vitro cell responses. (25th December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tamjid, E.; Simchi, A.
• Is Part Of: Materials & design. Volume 88(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 924
• Page End: 931
• Publication Date: 2015-12-25
• Subjects: Nanocomposite -- 3D printing -- Scaffold -- Mechanical property -- Tissue engineering; Materials -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Conception technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2015.08.133
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-1275

Abstract

Abstract: Design and development of biodegradable scaffolds with highly uniform and controlled internal structure that stimulate tissue regeneration are the focus of many studies. The aim of this work is to apply a modified three-dimensional (3D) printing process to fabricate polymer-matrix composites with controlled internal architecture. Computationally-designed plaster molds with various pore sizes in the range of 300–800 μm were prepared by employing 3D printing of a water-based binder. The molds were converted to ε-polycaprolactone (PCL) and PCL/bioactive glass (BG) composite scaffolds by solvent casting and freeze drying methods. Optical and electron microscopy studies revealed that the pore structure was retained without shape distortion of the scaffolds. The wall structure of the pores was composed of a homogeneous fibril interconnected porous surface. The mechanical properties of the scaffolds were evaluated by uniaxial compression and nano-indentation tests. In vitro cell studies by MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblast cells showed that the prepared 3D scaffolds supported cell adhesion, tissue growth and cell differentiation. The effect of pore geometry and bioactive glass particles on the mechanical properties and tissue growth were evaluated. The results of mechanical examinations and in vitro cell responses determined the potential of the process for the fabrication of non-load bearing 3D scaffolds. Graphical abstract: Highlights: An indirect 3D printing process was introduced to prepare 3D scaffolds for TE. CAD models were utilized to design the architecture and structure of pores. The 3D scaffolds composed of porous polymeric struts and interconnected pores. BG nanoparticles were located on the strut surfaces, providing nanotopography. The scaffolds supported cell adhesion, tissue growth and cell differentiation in vitro .