Abstract
Native collagen doughs were processed using a syringe-based extrusion 3D printer to obtain collagen scaffolds. Before processing, the rheological properties of the doughs were analyzed to determine the optimal 3D printing conditions. Samples showed a high shear-thinning behavior, reported beneficial in the 3D printing process. In addition, tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) was incorporated into the dough formulation and its effect on collagen structure, as well as the resulting scaffold’s suitability for wound healing applications, were assessed. The denaturation peak observed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), along with the images of the scaffolds’ surfaces assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), showed that the fibrillar structure of collagen was maintained. These outcomes were correlated with X-ray diffraction (XRD) results, which showed an increase of the lateral packaging of collagen chains was observed in the samples with a THC content up to 4%, while a higher content of THC considerably decreased the structural order of collagen. Furthermore, physical interactions between collagen and THC molecules were observed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Additionally, all samples showed swelling and a controlled release of THC. These results along with the mucoadhesive properties of collagen suggested the potential of these THC–collagen scaffolds as sustained THC delivery systems.
Highlights
Published: 15 October 2021In recent decades, biofabrication of tissue constructs with hierarchical architecture has acquired special interest in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine as biological substitutes that can assist and promote the tissue healing process, providing the optimum conditions for the re-establishment of the damaged tissue [1]
3D printing has emerged as a novel biofabrication method, characterized by a computer-based control that provides the addition of material, layer by layer, to obtain constructs with specific shapes [3]. 3D printing offers automated material deposition with spatial control and high reproducibility, which allows for the recreation of preprogrammed
Keeping in mind a suitable application of these scaffolds, their mucoadhesive properties were evaluated with the aim of providing relevant information to highlight the potential use of these scaffolds for wound healing
Summary
Biofabrication of tissue constructs with hierarchical architecture has acquired special interest in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine as biological substitutes that can assist and promote the tissue healing process, providing the optimum conditions for the re-establishment of the damaged tissue [1]. Due to the complex geometry of native tissues, these methods have shown limited reproducibility and versatility in the fabrication procedures [2]. 3D printing has emerged as a novel biofabrication method, characterized by a computer-based control that provides the addition of material, layer by layer, to obtain constructs with specific shapes [3]. 3D printing offers automated material deposition with spatial control and high reproducibility, which allows for the recreation of preprogrammed. 3D printing has emerged as a novel biofabrication method, characterized by a computer-based control that provides the addition of material, layer by layer, to obtain constructs with specific shapes [3]. 3D printing offers automated material deposition with spatial control and high reproducibility, which allows for the recreation of preprogrammed
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