Development of 3D Bioactive Scaffolds through 3D Printing Using Wollastonite–Gelatin Inks

Abstract

The bioactivity of scaffolds represents a key property to facilitate the bone repair after orthopedic trauma. This study reports the development of biomimetic paste-type inks based on wollastonite (CS) and fish gelatin (FG) in a mass ratio similar to natural bone, as an appealing strategy to promote the mineralization during scaffold incubation in simulated body fluid (SBF). High-resolution 3D scaffolds were fabricated through 3D printing, and the homogeneous distribution of CS in the protein matrix was revealed by scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction analysis (SEM/EDX) micrographs. The bioactivity of the scaffold was suggested by an outstanding mineralization capacity revealed by the apatite layers deposited on the scaffold surface after immersion in SBF. The biocompatibility was demonstrated by cell proliferation established by MTT assay and fluorescence microscopy images and confirmed by SEM micrographs illustrating cell spreading. This work highlights the potential of the bicomponent inks to fabricate 3D bioactive scaffolds and predicts the osteogenic properties for bone regeneration applications.

A Review on the Role of Wollastonite Biomaterial in Bone Tissue Engineering

“…A possible technique for promoting mineralization while the scaffold is incubated in a simulated physiological fluid is the production of biomimetic paste-type inks produced from wollastonite and fish gelatin in a mass ratio similar to that of natural bone. Also highlighted are the bicomponent inks' capacity to create three-dimensional bioactive scaffolds and their anticipated osteogenic capabilities for applications involving bone regeneration [ 168 ].…”

Comprehensive Review on Design and Manufacturing of Bio-scaffolds for Bone Reconstruction

“…These scaffolds were reported to biocompatibly favor apatite formation ensuring good osteogenic potential. 85 Developed alumina scaffolds with micro-and macropores exhibited compressive strength of 29 MPa when measured along the direction of aligned micropores. MC3T3 cells also showed good cell adherence, distribution, viability, and less cytotoxicity when treated with printed alumina scaffolds.…”

“…In a study, wollastonite and gelatin derived from fish skin were combined for 3D printing to form scaffolds. These scaffolds were reported to biocompatibly favor apatite formation ensuring good osteogenic potential . Developed alumina scaffolds with micro- and macropores exhibited compressive strength of 29 MPa when measured along the direction of aligned micropores.…”

Nanoengineered biomimetic hydrogels: A major advancement to fabricate 3D‐printed constructs for regenerative medicine

“…Nanometer‐sized titanium dioxide used as nano‐fillers for alginate inks enhanced elastic modulus up to 20 MPa to fulfill BTE necessities (Urruela‐Barrios et al, 2019) while photoactive titanium dioxide nanoparticles were the key to design 3D printed sensors (Finny et al, 2020). Highly bioactive and osteoinductive, wollastonite nanoparticles were used as additives for alginate or gelatin printing formulations (Curti et al, 2020; X. Yu et al, 2018). 3D printed strontium/gelatin methacrylate hydrogel nanocomposites were also investigated and presented high shape accuracy and bone‐specific cell signaling factor due to the incorporation of Sr nanoparticles.…”