Mechanical Properties and In Vitro Evaluation of Thermoplastic Polyurethane and Polylactic Acid Blend for Fabrication of 3D Filaments for Tracheal Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Surgical reconstruction of extensive tracheal lesions is challenging. It requires a mechanically stable, biocompatible, and nontoxic material that gradually degrades. One of the possible solutions for overcoming the limitations of tracheal transplantation is a three-dimensional (3D) printed tracheal scaffold made of polymers. Polymer blending is one of the methods used to produce material for a trachea scaffold with tailored characteristics. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the mechanical and in vitro properties of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polylactic acid (PLA) blend as a potential material for 3D printed tracheal scaffolds. Both materials were melt-blended using a single screw extruder. The morphologies (as well as the mechanical and thermal characteristics) were determined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, tensile test, and Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC). The samples were also evaluated for their water absorption, in vitro biodegradability, and biocompatibility. It is demonstrated that, despite being not miscible, TPU and PLA are biocompatible, and their promising properties are suitable for future applications in tracheal tissue engineering.

On Laminated Object Manufactured FDM-Printed ABS/TPU Multimaterial Specimens: An Insight into Mechanical and Morphological Characteristics

“…However, little has hitherto been reported on the multilateral component of ABS and TPU in a single specimen by using laminated object manufacturing (LOM). ABS is a stiffer material and TPU, being a flexible, biocompatible, renewable [ 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ] material when combined in a single specimen by using the LOM technique, may be used in applications where flexibility and stiffness are required in an adequate ratio. The scarcity of relevant data for multi-material components of polymeric structures, especially ABS and TPU widely used for 3D printing motivated the authors to deal with such a problem.…”

Bioengineering and Clinical Translation of Human Lung and its Components

“…[ 35 ] Biomechanical characteristics should match the compression and stiffness characteristics of the cartilage, connective tissue, and smooth muscle. Bioprinted constructs should be rigid enough to prevent the collapse of the trachea (along with the elasticity for proper movement) [ 36 ] and biocompatible (non‐toxic for cells and not leading to an immune reaction after implantation), [ 37 ] and possess an appropriated biodegradation rate and the byproducts of degradation should also be non‐toxic. The selected biomaterials should provide a frame that could support and maintain extracellular matrix (ECM) with the ability to degrade at an even and slow rate, thus allowing the neighboring cells to recover its supporting functions.…”

“…The selected biomaterials should provide a frame that could support and maintain extracellular matrix (ECM) with the ability to degrade at an even and slow rate, thus allowing the neighboring cells to recover its supporting functions. [ 37 ] Collagen, [ 38 ] Pluronic F‐127, [ 39 ] polyglycolic acid, [ 40 ] and PCL [ 41 ] have all been employed in fabrication of scaffolds, either alone or in conjunction with other biomaterials. [ 41,42 ] For example, Ke et al.…”

Temperature analysis of 3D-printed biomaterials during unipolar and bipolar radiofrequency ablation procedure

“…It is composed of three materials: a diisocyanate, a chain extender and a macrodiol (or polyol) which are linked to form linear, segmented copolymers consisting of alternating hard and soft segments. Due to the soft to hard segments, TPU exhibits a broad range of mechanical properties, across a wide range of temperatures, resulting in excellent physical properties and biocompatibility ( 3 ). TPU95A tests to evaluate mechanical properties were experimentally executed by Ultimaker ( 4 ).…”