Characterization of 3D printed PHBV+BG scaffolds for bone regeneration

HERMIDA, ÉLIDA B.; FEDERICO, TOMÁS; ARAOZ, BEATRIZ

Congreso; 6th Cellular Materials CELLMAT2020; 2020

Fractures and diseases of bone tissue are a common problem and can affect anyone. Many materials and fabrication techniques have been used to help patients in bone tissue regeneration. Metal prostheses are the most widely used solution to facilitate bone regeneration, acting as structural support, however, they may cause inflammation or rejection. Allografts may be incompatible and autografts require two interventions, increasing the chance of infections. Recent studies showed an alternative solution, using biocompatible and resorbable materials to build scaffolds that aid the regeneration of the damaged or missing tissue. These scaffolds are three dimensional medical products designed to temporally replace bone structure and help tissue regeneration before being reabsorbed. Fused Deposition Manufacturing (FDM) technique can be used to print 3D scaffolds, allowing emulation of the macro and microstructure of the tissue.In this work, a filament made of Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and Bioglass® (BG) was extruded and then used to manufacture scaffolds with a commercial 3D printer. Micrographs of the 3D printed scaffolds demonstrate that the parameters chosen for the FDM process allow us to faithfully follow details of the digital designs. Furthermore mean size of pores was measured for different printing nozzle diameters and infill densities, achieving promising results for bone scaffolds. Tensile, compression, flexion, fracture and impact tests were carried out, following ASTM standards. Results showed similarities between the printed scaffolds made of PHBV + BG and the trabecular bone. Finally, a superficial treatment with BG particles increases the roughness of the scaffolds and enhances the formation of hydroxyapatite, that might promote bone cells interaction.