3D printed scaffolds of alginate/polyvinylalcohol with silk fibroin based on mimicked extracellular matrix for bone tissue engineering in maxillofacial surgery

Abstract

This research investigated 3D printed scaffolds of alginate/polyvinylalcohol incorporated with silk fibroin (SF) fabricated by mimicking soft materials similar to bone extracellular matrix. The alginate/polyvinyl alcohol incorporated with 0 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, and 2 % SF were fabricated into 3D printed scaffolds. The morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy and the structures were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry. The swelling behavior and degradation of the scaffolds were tested. The scaffolds were cultured with osteoblast cells before evaluation of cell adhesion, viability, and proliferation along with protein synthesis of the osteoblast cells, alkaline phosphatase activity, and calcium deposition on the scaffolds. The structural formation showed SF attached to the PVA and embedded in the alginate without attachment. The surface morphology of the scaffolds with SF showed oriented filaments and the cross-sections exhibited a dense texture with porous structures. The scaffolds with SF had a lower swelling behavior and greater degradability than the scaffolds without SF. The biological functions of the scaffolds with SF showed good cell adhesion, viability, and proliferation and good alkaline phosphatase activity, protein synthesis, and calcium deposition. The results demonstrated that the scaffolds with 2 % SF are promising for maxillofacial surgery.