In Vitro Characterization of Poly(Lactic Acid)/ Poly(Hydroxybutyrate)/ Thermoplastic Starch Blends for Tissue Engineering Application

Abstract

Complex in vitro characterization of a blended material based on Poly(Lactic Acid), Poly(Hydroxybutyrate), and Thermoplastic Starch (PLA/PHB/TPS) was performed in order to evaluate its potential for application in the field of tissue engineering. We focused on the biological behavior of the material as well as its mechanical and morphological properties. We also focused on the potential of the blend to be processed by the 3D printer which would allow the fabrication of the custom-made scaffold. Several blends recipes were prepared and characterized. This material was then studied in the context of scaffold fabrication. Scaffold porosity, wettability, and cell-scaffold interaction were evaluated as well. MTT test and the direct contact cytotoxicity test were applied in order to evaluate the toxic potential of the blended material. Biocompatibility studies were performed on the human chondrocytes. According to our results, we assume that material had no toxic effect on the cell culture and therefore could be considered as biocompatible. Moreover, PLA/PHB/TPS blend is applicable for 3D printing. Printed scaffolds had highly porous morphology and were able to absorb water as well. In addition, cells could adhere and proliferate on the scaffold surface. We conclude that this blend has potential for scaffold engineering.

Evaluation of Biocompatibility of PLA/PHB/TPS Polymer Scaffolds with Different Additives of ATBC and OLA Plasticizers

“…The results showed that the materials are not cytotoxic, and the metabolic activity of the cells is greater than 70% in all cases. These results are complemented by another study with a similar composition of materials as that in our experiment, by Čulenová et al [13], where the results of the MTT test (after 24, 48 and 72 h) pointed to the fact that the material composition of the sample PLA/PHB (60:40) + TPS (30%) had no significant effect on cell proliferation. A slight decrease in the proliferation level during 48 h of culturing was attributed to their adaptation process.…”

“…Similarly, Kohan et al [ 23 ] observed the distribution of the ceramic component in the PLA/PHB composite using SEM analysis. Through SEM, Čulenová et al [ 13 ] observed the surface of the PLA/PHB/TPS material and the visible concentration of the cell distribution. They located the largest concentration of cells in the middle of the scaffold, and their morphology was similar to that of fibroblasts.…”

“…Due to its natural occurrence, biodegradability and cost-effectiveness, it is called a promising material for scaffold engineering. Starch is highly hydrophilic due to the hydroxyl groups from D-glucopyranose units, which allow for a sufficient biodegradation rate to be achieved [ 13 ].…”

Renewable Polymers in Biomedical Applications: From the Bench to the Market

“…The controlled porous modulation is advantageous because its swelling can enlarge the pore size and facilitate the migration of proliferating cells. However, it is crucial to avoid excessive water absorption to prevent any adverse impact on the mechanical properties and supportive function of the scaffold [84]. Starch can also be a polymeric matrix for the fabrication of three-dimensional scaffolds via sol-gel and 3D printing techniques.…”

Three-Dimensional Printing of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) [P(3HB-co-3HV)] Biodegradable Scaffolds: Properties, In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

“…This indicates the undoubted prospects for the use of various types of PHAs in additive technologies. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of publications confirming this [ 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 ].…”