3D printed bioabsorbable composite scaffolds of poly (lactic acid)-tricalcium phosphate-ceria with osteogenic property for bone regeneration
Samarah Vargas Harb, Elayaraja Kolanthai, Abinaya Sindu Pugazhendhi, César Augusto Gonçalves Beatrice, Leonardo Alves Pinto, Craig J. Neal, Eduardo Henrique Backes, Ana Carolina Caetano Nunes, Heloísa Sobreiro Selistre-de-Araújo, L. Costa, Melanie Coathup, Sudipta Seal, Luiz Antônio Pessan
Abstract
• The extrusion of filaments produced homogeneous PLA-TCP-CeO 2 nanocomposites. • The nanocomposite filament can be stored in ready-to-use composition. • Porous scaffolds were obtained by additive manufacturing. • CeO 2 nanoparticles stimulated cell proliferation and differentiation. • Osteogenic PLA-TCP-CeO 2 scaffolds are an excellent alternative for bone repair. The fabrication of customized implants by additive manufacturing has allowed continued development of the personalized medicine field. Herein, a 3D-printed bioabsorbable poly (lactic acid) (PLA)- β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) (10 wt %) composite has been modified with CeO 2 nanoparticles (CeNPs) (1, 5 and 10 wt %) for bone repair. The filaments were prepared by melt extrusion and used to print porous scaffolds. The nanocomposite scaffolds possessed precise structure with fine print resolution, a homogenous distribution of TCP and CeNP components, and mechanical properties appropriate for bone tissue engineering applications. Cell proliferation assays using osteoblast cultures confirmed the cytocompatibility of the composites. In addition, the presence of CeNPs enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells; thereby, increasing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium deposition and bone-related gene expression. Results from this study have shown that the 3D printed PLA-TCP-10%CeO 2 composite scaffold could be used as an alternative polymeric implant for bone tissue engineering applications: avoiding additional/revision surgeries and accelerating the regenerative process.