A New Bone Substitute Developed from 3D-Prints of Polylactide (PLA) Loaded with Collagen I: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Although a lot of research has been performed, large segmental bone defects caused by trauma, infection, bone tumors or revision surgeries still represent big challenges for trauma surgeons. New and innovative bone substitutes are needed. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a novel procedure to create 3D porous scaffolds that can be used for bone tissue engineering. In the present study, solid discs as well as porous cage-like 3D prints made of polylactide (PLA) are coated or filled with collagen, respectively, and tested for biocompatibility and endotoxin contamination. Microscopic analyses as well as proliferation assays were performed using various cell types on PLA discs. Stromal-derived factor (SDF-1) release from cages filled with collagen was analyzed and the effect on endothelial cells tested. This study confirms the biocompatibility of PLA and demonstrates an endotoxin contamination clearly below the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) limit. Cells of various cell types (osteoblasts, osteoblast-like cells, fibroblasts and endothelial cells) grow, spread and proliferate on PLA-printed discs. PLA cages loaded with SDF-1 collagen display a steady SDF-1 release, support cell growth of endothelial cells and induce neo-vessel formation. These results demonstrate the potential for PLA scaffolds printed with an inexpensive desktop printer in medical applications, for example, in bone tissue engineering.

Potential antibacterial mechanism of silver nanoparticles and the optimization of orthopedic implants by advanced modification technologies

“…3D scaffolds with a porosity structure is suitable for loading ions, nanoparticles, and biomolecules to achieve multifunctional application. 130 In Correia et al study, 131 the tricalcium phosphate (TCP)/sodium alginate (SA) scaffolds were produced by 3DP. Subsequently, AgNPs were incorporated into scaffolds through two different methods, direct incorporation and physical adsorption.…”

Polylactic acid: synthesis and biomedical applications

“…3D printing is a novel procedure to create 3D porous scaffolds used for bone tissue engineering (Roseti et al ). Solid discs as well as porous cage‐like 3D structures made of PLA coated or filled with collagen were tested for biocompatibility and endotoxin production, respectively (Ritz et al ). This study confirmed the PLA biocompatibility as well as the endotoxin contaminations levels that were below the FDA limit.…”

Biofabrication of SDF-1 Functionalized 3D-Printed Cell-Free Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Regeneration

“…Cells can be incorporated as demonstrated by Lee et al, who used collagen as bioink supplemented with pre-osteoblasts [20]. Among others, we printed PLA and collagen to induce tissue regeneration in bone defects [21]. Martin et al printed PLA and functionalized the scaffolds with collagen, minocycline and citrate hydroxyapatite nanoparticles [22].…”