Fabrication of 3D Printed PCL/PEG Polyblend Scaffold Using Rapid Prototyping System for Bone Tissue Engineering Application

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a novel process used to manufacture bone tissue engineered scaffolds. This process allows for easy control of the architecture at the micro structure. However, the scaffold properties are typically limited in terms of cellular activity at the scaffold surface due to the printed materials properties. In this study, we developed a polycaprolactone (PCL) blended with polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3D printed scaffold using a rapid prototyping system. The manufactured scaffolds were then washed out to form small pores on the surface in order to improve the scaffolds hydrophilicity. We analyzed the resultant material by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), water absorption, water contact angle, in vitro WST-1, and the Bradford assay. Additionally, cells incubated on the fabricated scaffolds were visualized by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). The developed scaffolds exhibited small pores on the strand surface which served to increase hydrophilicity as well as improve cellular proliferation and increase total protein content. Our findings suggest that the presence of small pores on the scaffolds can be used as an effective tool for improving implant cellular interaction. This research indicates that these modified scaffolds can be considered useful for bone tissue engineering applications to improve human health.