Fabrication of Solvent-Free PCL/β-TCP Composite Fiber for 3D Printing: Physiochemical and Biological Investigation

Abstract

Manufacturing three-dimensional (3D) objects with polymers/bioceramic composite materials has been investigated in recent years. In this study, we manufactured and evaluated solvent-free polycaprolactone (PCL) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) composite fiber as a scaffold material for 3D printing. To investigate the optimal ratio of feedstock material for 3D printing, the physical and biological characteristics of four different ratios of β-TCP compounds mixed with PCL were investigated. PCL/β-TCP ratios of 0 wt.%, 10 wt.%, 20 wt.%, and 30 wt.% were fabricated, with PCL melted at 65 °C and blended with β-TCP with no solvent added during the fabrication process. Electron microscopy revealed an even distribution of β-TCP in the PCL fibers, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that the biomaterial compounds remained intact after the heating and manufacturing process. In addition, adding 20% β-TCP into the PCL/β-TCP mixture significantly increased hardness and Young’s Modulus by 10% and 26.5%, respectively, suggesting that PCL-20 has better resistance to deformation under load. Cell viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity, osteogenic gene expression, and mineralization were also observed to increase according to the amount of β-TCP added. Cell viability and ALPase activity were 20% higher with PCL-30, while upregulation for osteoblast-related gene expression was better with PCL-20. In conclusion, PCL-20 and PCL-30 fibers fabricated without solvent exhibited excellent mechanical properties, high biocompatibility, and high osteogenic ability, making them promising materials for 3D printing customized bone scaffolds promptly, sustainably, and cost-effectively.

Citric Acid Cross-Linked Gelatin-Based Composites with Improved Microhardness

“…Extensive research has also been conducted on the β-TCP, including its incorporation as a bone substitute [ 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Similar to HAp, β-TCP is not naturally occurring but can be effectively synthesized using high-temperature methods [ 27 ]. It exhibits superior thermal stability compared to HA and undergoes faster resorption owing to its solubility.…”

Osteogenic Differentiation Potential of iMSCs on GelMA-BG-MWCNT Nanocomposite Hydrogels

“…Furthermore, BGs have long been studied for their osteoconductive and osteoinductive potential stemming from the release of stimulatory ions, which promote bonding to the bone [ 11 , 12 ]. Calcium phosphates (CaP), specifically hydroxyapatite (HA) (Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 ) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) (Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 ), are alternative inorganic components used in bone biomaterials due to their osteoconductive and bioresorbable properties [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. HA is the most crystalline ceramic and is, therefore, very stable when implanted into damaged bone sites, possessing a very slow rate of reabsorption, which is not in tune with the formation of new bone tissue [ 16 ].…”

Effect of 3D Printing Process Parameters and Heat Treatment Conditions on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of PEEK Parts

“…The materials used in the FDM process have the characteristics of fusibility, adhesion, stability, fluidity, low shrinkage, etc. [8,9]. When using these materials to print parts, it is necessary to consider both the characteristics of the material itself (such as melting point, strength, etc.)…”