3D printed conductive PCL/GO scaffold immobilized with gelatin/CuO accelerates H9C2 cells attachment and proliferation

Abstract

Fabrication of conductive 3D printed structures with surface modification would be highly beneficial for tissue engineering. Herein, an engineered scaffold composed of Poly ε-caprolactone (PCL)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite was 3D printed using a convenient and cost-effective fused deposition modeling technique. Then, the scaffold surface was modified by gelatin containing various amounts of CuO nanoparticles (0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 wt%). Fabricated scaffolds were comparatively evaluated for surface morphology, crystal phases, chemical functional groups, wettability, conductivity and mechanical features. The scaffolds were seamlessly integrated and 3D printed with high pore interconnectivity and fidelity based on FESEM images. Contact angle measurement showed a descending trend and reached 68.70 ± 5.2° value for PCL/GO scaffold modified with gelatin/1 wt% CuO. The electrical conductivity of surface modified 3D printed scaffolds is in the range of (~10−2–10−4 S/m) which is sufficient for cardiac patch applications. Compressive testing analysis revealed enhanced Young's modulus and the compressive strength of 3D printed PCL/GO scaffolds with incorporation of CuO NPs into the gelatin coating. Such 3D printed conductive scaffold exhibited suitable cell attachment and promoting effect on the proliferation of H9C2 cardiomyoblasts cells. These 3D conducting constructs with admirable processability and compatibility with H9C2 cells are promising candidates to be utilized as versatile platforms for biomedical applications, particularly for myocardial tissue engineering.