3D printing of cellulose nanocrystals based composites to build robust biomimetic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Abstract

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are drawing increasing attention in the fields of biomedicine and healthcare owing to their durability, biocompatibility, biodegradability and excellent mechanical properties. Herein, we fabricated using fused deposition modelling technology 3D composite scaffolds from polylactic acid (PLA) and CNC extracted from Ficus thonningii. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the printed scaffolds exhibit interconnected pores with an estimated average pore size of approximately 400 µm. Incorporating 3% (w/w) of CNC into the composite improved PLA mechanical properties (Young's modulus increased by ~ 30%) and wettability (water contact angle decreased by ~ 17%). The mineralization process of printed scaffolds using simulated body fluid was validated and nucleation of hydroxyapatite confirmed. Additionally, cytocompatibility tests revealed that PLA and CNC-based PLA scaffolds are non-toxic and compatible with bone cells. Our design, based on rapid 3D printing of PLA/CNC composites, combines the ability to control the architecture and provide improved mechanical and biological properties of the scaffolds, which opens perspectives for applications in bone tissue engineering and in regenerative medicine.

Ag Nanoparticle Incorporated Guar Gum–Sodium Alginate–I-Carrageenan Tribiopolymer Blended Cloth Waste Lint Extracted Cellulose Nanocrystal Antimicrobial Composite Film

“…As a result, the film surface exhibited a tortuous structure, as observed in Figure d,e, which affects its mechanical properties. This finding aligns with the work of N’Gatta et al, where they demonstrated that an increase in CNC percentage of more than 3% leads to a poor hydrogen-bonding interaction of CNC with the poly­(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) within the matrix, resulting in the excessive agglomeration and leading to roughness in its cross-section …”

“…This finding aligns with the work of N'Gatta et al, where they demonstrated that an increase in CNC percentage of more than 3% leads to a poor hydrogenbonding interaction of CNC with the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) within the matrix, resulting in the excessive agglomeration and leading to roughness in its cross-section. 40 Incorporating 1 mL of AgNP2 into the 1F-25G-25S-50C composite film did not alter the surface or cross-section morphology (Figure 7f,f′). However, increasing the amount of AgNP2 solution to 2 and 3 mL resulted in a rough surface morphology (Figure 7g,h) as well as the cross-section (Figure 7g′,h′).…”

Plant-based cellulose fiber as biomaterials for biomedical application: A Short Review

“…The result shows that the scaffold can promote mineralization faster than PLA only. Moreover, the cytocompatibility tests revealed that the scaffold is compatible with and non-toxic for bone cells [58].…”

A SWOT analysis of nano co-crystals in drug delivery: present outlook and future perspectives

“…For instance, nanocrystals have been further developed by the utilisation of 3D printing to further develop the technology and derive increased utility. [99][100][101] Furthermore, the prospect of loading nanomaterials in nano-bers presents an additional opportunity for further manufacture. 102 These could be extrapolated to NCC for potential additive manufacturing.…”