High-resolution PLA-based composite scaffolds via 3-D printing technology

3D printed PLA-based scaffolds

“…In particular, the use of this technique to fabricate "high-resolution" polylactic acid (PLA) 3D structures has been recently reported by us. 5 In that work we describe the fabrication of PLA based scaffolds with different geometries and provide valuable information on the importance of the different fabrication parameters on both bulk and surface properties, and their impact on cell adhesion. In brief, both PLA and PLA/glass scaffolds were 3D-printed must be carefully tuned in order to obtain such structures.…”

“…In brief, both PLA and PLA/glass scaffolds were 3D-printed must be carefully tuned in order to obtain such structures. 5 However, if a completely different material such as a hydrogel or a PLA/glass composite material is used, results are completely different. This is the case of chitosan scaffolds, chitosan is a natural hydrogel that requires in situ cross-linking to keep the scaffold structural integrity.…”

“…1D) with a distance between struts axes of ~250 μm and two layers dispensed in each direction. 5 Structural, mechanical and surface properties of the developed scaffolds were studied as well as in vitro cell adhesion. Results shown in that work illustrate and highlight the significance of factors such as: (1) the material used to fabricate the 3D structure, (2) the geometry wettability, surface electrical charges, and free energy are also changed.…”

“…An ANOVA analysis was performed to establish on the compressive modulus of both scaffolds (E orthogonal = 93.32 ± 2.18; E displaced = 28.38 ± 3.99MPa; n = 3) as described by us. 5 Thus, depending on the mechanical requirements of the final application, the right material/design combination has to be chosen in order to get the most adequated structures.…”

“…8,9 In fact, when 50% of glass particles (<40 μm) are blended in the polymer solution, the elastic modulus of the structures increases substantially (PLA = 28.38 ± 3.99 MPa, PLA/glass = 44.19 ± 2.67 MPa; n = 3). 5 Therefore, it is clear that materials' properties have to be carefully considered since each material requires different and specific processing conditions, and each material leads to different structures.…”