Comparative characterization of the hydrogel added PLA/β-TCP scaffolds produced by 3D bioprinting

Abstract

Designing the 3D bioprinted scaffolds has been a promising tool which assists cells to adhere and supports the self-repair mechanism of native tissues. In order to practice this hypothesis, we used 3D bioprinting methods and fabricated Polylactic acid (PLA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds and incorporated them with four different hydrogels (Collagen (Col), Sodium Alginate (SAlg), Halamomas Levan (HLh), Chitosan (Ch). Furthermore, PLA/β-TCP Scaffolds incorporated with chitosan were further enhanced with Amoxicillin (AMX). These scaffolds were further characterized for their chemical, morphological, antibacterial and cellular biocompatibility. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry, compressive strength test, agar diffusion test and in vitro cellular behaviour tests were performed to reveal structural, mechanical and biological characteristics of scaffolds. Among others, chitosan including samples demonstrated significantly superior and beneficial features such as the highest biocompatibility and structural integrity regarding morphology, compared to the other samples. Therefore, chitosan including samples were loaded with amoxicillin (AMX) to increase antimicrobial activity of the scaffolds. All together, these data show that PLA/β-TCP 3D printed scaffolds incorporated with different hydrogels has the ability to assist the tissue to repair and regeneration. © 2019