Fabrication of PCL/β‐TCP scaffolds by 3D mini‐screw extrusion printing

Abstract

Scaffolds of polycaprolactone (PCL) and PCL composites reinforced with b-tricalcium phosphate (b-TCP) were manufactured aiming potential tissue engineering applications. They were fabricated using a three-dimensional (3D) mini-screw extrusion printing, a novel additive manufacturing process, which consists in an extrusion head coupled to a 3D printer based on the Fab@Home equipment. Thermal properties were obtained by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyses. Scaffolds morphology were observed using scanning electron microscopy and computed microtomography; also, reinforcement presence was observed by X-ray diffraction and the polymer chemical structure by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Mechanical properties under compression were obtained by using a universal testing machine and hydrophilic properties were studied by measuring the contact angle of water drops. Finally, scaffolds with 55% of porosity and a pore size of 450 lm have shown promising mechanical properties; the b-TCP reinforcement improved mechanical and hydrophilic behavior in comparison with PCL scaffolds. V C 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43031.

Modification of 3D printed PCL scaffolds by PVAc and HA to enhance cytocompatibility and osteogenesis

“…6 Presently, PCL is used for production of surgical sutures, screws for fracture xation, cranial repair materials, and sustained-release systems. 7,8 PCL has also been employed as a 3D printing matrix to prepare scaffolds of combined hydroxyapatite (HA) particles, for which PCL matrix provides exible support and HA provides strength and bioactivity. 5,9,10 However, there are some shortcomings of the PCL/HA composite system.…”

The improvement of mechanical and thermal properties of polyamide 12 3D printed parts by fused deposition modelling

“…However, an issue remains when applying conventional FDM materials for medical applications, given the biocompatibility of polymer. Some researchers have expressed their concern regarding the toxicity of ABS and have attempted to develop a biocompatible FDM feedstock produced from polylactic acid (PLA) [11,14] and polycaprolactone (PCL) [15,16]. Although these materials have provided scaffolds with different internal architectures and controlled porosity, the lack of durability and insufficient mechanical properties has limited their use.…”

Natural Nanohydroxyapatite Synthesis via Ultrasonication from <i>Donax Trunculus</i> Bivalve Sea Shells and Production of its Electrospun Nanobiocomposite

“…In addition α-TCP can dissolve and gradually degrade in the body. It also supports the formation of new bone by releasing calcium and phosphate ions [4]. The FTIR spectrum of the nanofiber mats were shown in Fig.…”