3D Bioplotter Research Papers

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) assisted bone repair is confirmed effective in clinic. Here, a 3D-printed composite poly(DL-lactic acid)/mesoporous bioactive glass scaffold was constructed for particular use in LIPUS-assisted bone tissue engineering. The scaffolds contain dimethyloxallyl glycine (DMOG) loaded microbubbles in pores, which can be released after implanting via LIPUS stimulation. Local DMOG concentrations are modulated through ultrasound power and processing time. The rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) on these scaffolds with ultrasound treatment show improved proliferation and early osteogenic differentiation.

Bacterial infection is an important challenge when repairing bone defects with implant materials. The development of functional scaffolds with an intelligent antibacterial function that can be used for bone repair are of great significance. In this study, we used vancomycin (VAN) as a model antibiotic drug and proposed the fabrication of VAN-loaded zeolite imidazole framework-8-functionalized bioglass (ZIF-8@VAN@BG) scaffolds with a pH-responsive antibacterial effect for use in potentially infected bone repair applications. The physicochemical properties, in vitro biological properties and antibacterial properties of the scaffolds were studied. The results showed that the ZIF-8@VAN@BG scaffolds had a 3D porous structure and exhibited…

Flowable photocurable resins can be printed effectively by stereolithographic 3D printing for dental applications; however, the 3D-printed objects’ mechanical properties cannot meet the requirements for the dental restorative materials. In this study, a strong customized crown for tooth repair was first prepared via direct ink writing 3D printing from a high-viscosity hybrid paste of acrylic monomer and multi-scale inorganic particles. The results showed that the hybrid resin-based composites (RBCs) could be printed successfully and smoothly through a metal nozzle with a gradually shrinking channel. The theoretical simulation of finite element methods was consistent with the experiment results. The printed objects…

Pb0.99(Zr0.95Ti0.05)0.98Nb0.02O3 ferroelectric ceramics with porous structure of periodic distribution were fabricated successfully via Direct Ink Writing, a type of 3D printing technique. The effect of periodically distributed porous microstructure on the dielectric, ferroelectric, as well as hydrostatic-pressure-induced depolarization properties of PZT95/5 ferroelectric ceramics, was investigated. The printed porous ceramics exhibit relatively good viscoelasticity to retain the periodic structure during 3D printing and drying. In contrast with dense PZT95/5 ferroelectric ceramics prepared by conventional solid-state sintering, low bulk density of the periodically distributed porous PZT95/5 ceramics leads to a decreased remanent polarization of 22.9 µC/cm2 under 2 kV/mm. As the hydrostatic pressure…

Osteochondral defects affect both of cartilage and subchondral areas, thus it poses a significant challenge to simultaneously regenerate two parts in orthopedics. Tissue engineering strategy is currently regarded as the most promising way to repair osteochondral defects. This study focuses on developing a multilayered scaffold with enhanced interface bonding through 3D printing. One-shot printing process enables control over material composition, pore structure, and size in each region of the scaffold, while realizes seamlessly integrated construct as well. The scaffold was designed to be triphasic: a porous bone layer composed of alginate sodium (SA) and mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBG), an intermediate…

Calcium silicate (CS) composite bone tissue engineering scaffolds were three-dimensionally printed using titanium metallic powders as the second strengthening phase for overcoming the inherent brittleness and fast degradability. In order to promote the sintering process of all composite scaffolds, mesoporous structure was further introduced into sol-gel-derived CS powders obtaining mesoporous CS (MCS) with larger surface area. The influences of mesoporous structure, sintering temperature and Ti content have been investigated through comparisons of the final scaffold composition, microstructure, compressive strength and in vitro stability. Results showed that CS matrix materials reacted with Ti could form less degradable CaTiO3 and TiC ceramic…

Bacterial infection of the implanting materials is one of the greatest challenges in bone tissue engineering. In this study, porous forsterite scaffolds with antibacterial activity have been fabricated by combining 3D printing and polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) strategy, which effectively avoided the generation of MgSiO3 and MgO impurities. Forsterite scaffolds sintered in an argon atmosphere can generate free carbon in the scaffolds, which exhibited excellent photothermal effect and could inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in vitro. In addition, forsterite scaffolds have uniform macroporous structure, high compressive strength (>30 MPa) and low degradation rate.…

Scaffolds with controlled drug release are valuable for bone tissue engineering, but constructing the scaffolds with controllable dual-drug release behaviors is still a challenge. In this study, layered mesoporous bioactive glass/sodium alginate-sodium alginate (MBG/SA–SA) scaffolds with controllable dual-drug release behaviors were fabricated by 3D printing. The porosity and compressive strength of three-dimensional (3D) printed MBG/SA–SA scaffolds by cross-linking are about 78% and 4.2 MPa, respectively. As two model drugs, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and ibuprofen (IBU) were separately loaded in SA layer and MBG/SA layer, resulting in a relatively fast release of BSA and a sustained release of IBU. Furthermore,…

One of the latest trends in the regenerative medicine is the development of 3D-printing hydrogel scaffolds with biomimetic structures for tissue regeneration and organ reconstruction. However, it has been practically difficult to achieve a highly biomimetic hydrogel scaffolds with proper mechanical properties matching the natural tissue. Here, bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BCNFs) were applied to improve the structural resolution and enhance mechanical properties of silk fibroin (SF)/gelatin composite hydrogel scaffolds. The SF-based hydrogel scaffolds with hierarchical pores were fabricated via 3D-printing followed by lyophilization. Results showed that the tensile strength of printed sample increased significantly with the addition of BCNFs in…

The fabrication of bone tissue engineering scaffolds with high osteogenic ability and favorable mechanical properties is of huge interest. In this study, a silk fibroin (SF) solution of 30 wt% was extracted from cocoons and combined with mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) to fabricate MBG/SF composite scaffolds by 3D printing. The porosity, compressive strength, degradation and apatite forming ability were evaluated. The results illustrated that MBG/SF scaffolds had superior compressive strength (ca. 20 MPa) and good biocompatibility, and stimulated bone formation ability compared to mesoporous bioactive glass/polycaprolactone (MBG/PCL) scaffolds. We subcutaneously transplanted hBMSCs-loaded MBG/SF and MBG/PCL scaffolds into the back of nude mice…

Simple ternary SiO2CaOP2O5 bioglasses proved sufficient osteogenesis capacity. In this study, the bioglasses were 3D printed into porous scaffolds and SiO2/CaO molar ratio was altered (from 90/5 to 60/35) to achieve tunable glass-ceramic compositions after thermal treatment. Scaffolds possessed interconnected porous structure with controllable porosities via 3D printing technique. In addition, microstructure and properties of mechanical strength, degradation, ion dissolution and apatite formation were investigated. Characterization results showed that higher content of SiO2 produced more homogeneous crystalline particles and sintering compactness, thus led to higher strength. For scaffolds with higher CaO content, more glasses were maintained and faster degradation rate…

In the clinic, bone defects resulting from infections, trauma, surgical resection and genetic malformations remain a significant challenge. In the field of bone tissue engineering, three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds are promising for the treatment of bone defects. In this study, calcium sulfate hydrate (CSH)/mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) scaffolds were successfully fabricated using a 3D printing technique, which had a regular and uniform square macroporous structure, high porosity and excellent apatite mineralization ability. Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) were cultured on scaffolds to evaluate hBMSC attachment, proliferation and osteogenesis-related gene expression. Critical-sized rat calvarial defects were applied to investigate the…

In the study, we developed hierarchical composite scaffolds by 3D printing technique with mesoporous CaSiO3 containing controlled amounts of Ce substitution in Ca–Si system. The scaffolds were porous with 3D interconnected large pores (size ~400 μm) and an overall porosity above 70 %, combined with a relative high compressive strength (~7 MPa). These properties are essential for enhancing bone ingrowth in tissue engineering. The in vitro biological properties of apatite formation, cell proliferation, and differentiation were characterized on CeO2-MCS scaffolds and MCS scaffolds. Results indicated that CeO2-MCS scaffolds induced similar apatite deposition and cell attachment of human bone marrow stromal…

Development of 3D porous scaffolds with proper mechanical strength is crucial in bone tissue engineering. In this study, calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH) cement was functionally incorporated into mesoporous calcium silicate (MCS) through a 3D printing technique in order to improve the scaffold strength. Compared to printed MCS scaffolds, the characterizations revealed that 20% CSH incorporation had enhanced their compressive strength by 2 times via 4 weeks’ hydration. Furthermore, CSH incorporation prevented the fast pH value rise and achieved a balanced degradation rate. SEM observations showed a good apatite formation on the surfaces of both MCS and MCS/CSH scaffolds. Cellular experiments…

Bone defects, particularly large bone defects resulting from infections, trauma, surgical resection or genetic malformations, maintain a significant challenge for clinicians. In this study, the tricalcium silicate/mesoporous bioactive glass (C3S/MBG) cement scaffolds were successfully fabricated for the first time by 3D printing with a curing process, which combined the hydraulicity of C3S with the excellent biological property of MBG together. The C3S/MBG scaffolds exhibited 3D interconnected macropores (~400μm), high porosity (~70%), enhanced mechanical strength (>12MPa) and excellent apatite mineralization ability. Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) were cultured on the scaffolds to evaluate their cell responses, and the results…

After surgical treatment of osteoarticular tuberculosis (TB), it is necessary to fill the surgical defect with an implant, which combines the merits of osseous regeneration and local multi-drug therapy so as to avoid drug resistance and side effects. In this study, a 3D-printed macro/meso-porous composite scaffold is fabricated. High dosages of isoniazid (INH)/rifampin (RFP) anti-TB drugs are loaded into chemically modified mesoporous bioactive ceramics in advance, which are then bound with poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) through a 3D printing procedure. The composite scaffolds show greatly prolonged drug release time compared to commercial calcium phosphate scaffolds either in vitro or in vivo.…

The development of a new generation of biomaterials with high osteogenic ability for fast osseointegration with host bone is being intensively investigated. In this study, we have fabricated three-dimensional (3-D) strontium-containing mesoporous bioactive glass (Sr-MBG) scaffolds by a 3-D printing technique. Sr-MBG scaffolds showed uniform interconnected macropores (∼400 μm), high porosity (∼70%) and enhanced compressive strength (8.67 ± 1.74 MPa). Using MBG scaffolds as a control, the biological properties of Sr-MBG scaffolds were evaluated by apatite-forming ability, adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity and osteogenic gene expression of osteoblast-like cells MC3T3-E1. Furthermore, Sr-MBG scaffolds were used to repair critical-sized rat calvarial…

Angiogenesis–osteogenesis coupling processes are vital in bone tissue engineering. Normal biomaterials implanted in bone defects have issues in the sufficient formation of blood vessels, especially in the central part. Single delivery of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) to foci in previous studies did not show satisfactory results due to low loading doses, a short protein half-life and low efficiency. Development of a hypoxia-mimicking microenvironment for cells by local prolyl-4-hydroxylase inhibitor release, which can stabilize hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) expression, is an alternative method. The aim of this study was to design a dimethyloxallyl glycine (DMOG) delivering scaffold composed of mesoporous…

A suitable drug-loaded scaffold that can postoperatively release an antituberculosis drug efficiently in a lesion area and help repair a bone defect is very important in the clinical treatment of bone tuberculosis (TB). In this study, a composite drug-loaded cylindrical scaffold was prepared by using three-dimensional printing technology in combination with the mesoporous confinement range, surface chemical groups, and gradual degradation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate). This achieves the slow release of a drug for as long as possible. We implanted the drug-loaded compound scaffold into New Zealand rabbits’ femur defect model to study the in vivo drug release performance and osteogenic ability.…

In this study, three-dimensional (3D) magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles containing mesoporous bioactive glass/polycaprolactone (Fe3O4/MBG/PCL) composite scaffolds have been fabricated by the 3D-printing technique. The physiochemical properties, in vitro bioactivity, anticancer drug delivery, mechanical strength, magnetic heating ability and cell response of Fe3O4/MBG/PCL scaffolds were systematically investigated. The results showed that Fe3O4/MBG/PCL scaffolds had uniform macropores of 400 μm, high porosity of 60% and excellent compressive strength of 13–16 MPa. The incorporation of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles into MBG/PCL scaffolds did not influence their apatite mineralization ability but endowed excellent magnetic heating ability and significantly stimulated proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteogenesis-related gene…

In this study, we fabricated strontium-containing mesoporous bioactive glass (Sr-MBG) scaffolds with controlled architecture and enhanced mechanical strength using a three-dimensional (3-D) printing technique. The study showed that Sr-MBG scaffolds had uniform interconnected macropores and high porosity, and their compressive strength was ∼170 times that of polyurethane foam templated MBG scaffolds. The physicochemical and biological properties of Sr-MBG scaffolds were evaluated by ion dissolution, apatite-forming ability and proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, osteogenic expression and extracelluar matrix mineralization of osteoblast-like cells MC3T3-E1. The results showed that Sr-MBG scaffolds exhibited a slower ion dissolution rate and more significant potential to stabilize the…