3D-printed alginate/phenamil composite scaffolds constituted with microsized core–shell struts for hard tissue regeneration

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) biomedical scaffolds that are physically and mechanically similar to regenerated tissues and provide bioactive sites for cultured cell adhesion, growth, and even differentiation have been used widely in various tissue regenerative materials. In this work, we propose new composite scaffolds consisting of poly(3-caprolactone) (PCL), alginate, and phenamil methanesulfonate (PM), manufactured by a combined process involving 3D plotting together with a low-temperature working plate and a versatile coating process. The composite scaffolds consist of microsized struts with a core (PCL)-shell (alginate/PM) structure. The PCL in the micro-sized struts has the function of providing mechanical support to the scaffold, and the shell region (alginate/phenamil) is used as a biologically active material.PM is known to stimulate osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization. However, phenamil cannot be used easily as a biomedical scaffold material because of its low molecular weight and low processability.We first introduced the bioactive component, PM, in a solid-freeform fabricated multi-layered pore structure. To assess the effects of PM, the biocompatibility of the composite scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration was characterized in vitro using preosteoblasts (MC3T3-E1 cells). Cells were distributed more extensively and proliferated to a greater degree on the PCL/alginate-PM scaffold in a limited PM concentration range versus the PCL/alginate scaffold. Specifically, cell viability and ALP activity were high in a composite scaffold containing PM at 3.5 mg, but not higher PM levels (PM: 5.6 mg per scaffold), compared with PCL/alginate scaffolds. These results suggest that the multi-layered PCL/alginate-PM scaffold may be a promising bioactive material for enhancing bone tissue growth, but over a limited range of PM levels.

From intricate to integrated: Biofabrication of articulating joints

“…This is thanks to the fact that biofabrication uses either multi-head or hybrid printing systems 57,58 that allow both simultaneous and sequential printing, for building up highly organized cell-laden reinforced constructs. [58][59][60][61][62][63] Moreover, convergence of multiple biofabrication technologies will further extend the possibilities, including the simultaneous deposition of hydrogels and ultra-thin reinforcing fibers produced by melt electrospinning writing (MEW). This technique allows precisely controlled deposition of these micro-fibers, which allows to generate structures with similar compressive behavior as native cartilage.…”

“…Although there are various strategies for the incorporation of multiple materials, the evolution from AM toward biofabrication has shown an advantage over conventional and other AM techniques. This is thanks to the fact that biofabrication uses either multi‐head or hybrid printing systems that allow both simultaneous and sequential printing, for building up highly organized cell‐laden reinforced constructs . Moreover, convergence of multiple biofabrication technologies will further extend the possibilities, including the simultaneous deposition of hydrogels and ultra‐thin reinforcing fibers produced by melt electrospinning writing (MEW).…”

3D multi-layered fibrous cellulose structure using an electrohydrodynamic process for tissue engineering

“…Recently, 3D printing techniques have enabled the fabrication of accurate and highly reproducible 3D biomedical scaffolds having controllable inner micro-pore structures (pore size, porosity, tortuosity) [2][3][4][5]. However, some biomaterials, including natural biopolymers, have limitations in achieving 3D controllable pore structures due to their poor processability.…”

An Innovative Collagen-Based Cell-Printing Method for Obtaining Human Adipose Stem Cell-Laden Structures Consisting of Core–Sheath Structures for Tissue Engineering

“…They were able to fabricate cell-laden microfibers mimicking microvascularized structure, but the 3D shapeability can be an obstacle of the application. Also, previously, by using a core–sheath nozzle and low temperature printing process, we designed collagen-based scaffolds, but cells were not simultaneously laden due to the harsh cross-linking and fabricating process. ,− …”