Abstract
3D printed polycaprolactone (PCL)-blended scaffolds have been designed, prepared, and evaluated in vitro in this study prior to the incorporation of a polyvinyl alcohol–polyacrylic acid (PVA–PAA) hydrogel for the delivery of in situ-formed sodium indomethacin. The prepared PCL–PVA–PAA scaffold is proposed as a potential structural support system for load-bearing tissue damage where inflammation is prevalent. Uniaxial strain testing of the PCL-blended scaffolds were undertaken to determine the scaffold’s resistance to strain in addition to its thermal, structural, and porosimetric properties. The viscoelastic properties of the incorporated PVA–PAA hydrogel has also been determined, as well as the drug release profile of the PCL–PVA–PAA scaffold. Results of these analyses noted the structural strength, thermal stability, and porosimetric properties of the scaffold, as well as the ability of the PCL–PVA–PAA scaffold to deliver sodium indomethacin in simulated physiological conditions of pH and temperature. The results of this study therefore highlight the successful design, fabrication, and in vitro evaluation of a 3D printed polymeric strain-resistant supportive platform for the delivery of sodium indomethacin.
Highlights
Tissue engineering applies the principles of both engineering and sciences to produce bio-mimetic three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds with therapeutic applications [1]
This slow-degrading polymer renders is suitable for long-term delivery and structural support as the biodegradation of PCL is slow in comparison to other polymers
The synthetic polymer blend prepared in this study and used in the fabrication of the
Summary
Tissue engineering applies the principles of both engineering and sciences to produce bio-mimetic three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds with therapeutic applications [1]. The properties of scaffolds are unique in which they allow for the ability to assist in cellular growth and regeneration whilst simultaneously providing mechanical and structural support [2]. Displaying superior rheological and viscoelastic properties, this hydrophobic polymer has been utilized in many devices and implants [4,5]. This slow-degrading polymer renders is suitable for long-term delivery and structural support as the biodegradation of PCL is slow in comparison to other polymers. The versatility of PCL has Materials 2018, 11, 1006; doi:10.3390/ma11061006 www.mdpi.com/journal/materials
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