Abstract
3D printing is increasingly important for the rapid prototyping of advanced and tailor-made cell culture devices. In this context, stereolithography represents a method for the rapid generation of prototypes from photocurable polymers. However, the biocompatibility of commercially available photopolymers is largely unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of six polymers, two of them certified as biocompatible according to ISO 10993-5:2009, and we evaluated, if coating with Parylene, an inert polymer widely used in medical applications, might shield cells from the cytotoxic effects of a toxic polymer. In addition, we evaluated the processability, reliability, and consistency of the details printed. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were used for cytotoxicity testing as they are widely used and promising for numerous applications in regenerative medicine. MSCs were incubated together with printed photopolymers, and the cytotoxicity was assessed. All photopolymers significantly reduced the viability of MSCs while the officially biocompatible resins displayed minor toxic effects. Further, coating with Parylene completely protected MSCs from toxic effects. In conclusion, none of the tested polymers can be fully recommended for rapid prototyping of cell culture devices. However, coating with Parylene can shield cells from toxic effects and thus might represent a viable option until more compatible materials are available.
Highlights
Rapid prototyping (RP) is becoming increasingly important for the development of advanced or tailor-made cell culture devices [1]
We studied the printing accuracy of the resins, as it is very important for small complex structures, and further, we assessed if the resins have cytotoxic effects by using two different viability assays and viability stainings
To assess the cytotoxicity of the resins, discs were printed from the resins, and they were incubated with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for 4 days
Summary
Rapid prototyping (RP) is becoming increasingly important for the development of advanced or tailor-made cell culture devices [1]. With materials such as stainless steel or polyether ether ketone (PEEK), the production is relatively slow and expensive, because parts are usually designed as lathe or computer numerical control (CNC) milled parts. Most cytocompatible plastics can be designed as injection-molded parts, but this causes high costs for the injection molds needed per iteration step and means a considerable time delay. Both manufacturing pathways can only be obtained from third-party suppliers. In the context of cell culture devices, Materials 2020, 13, 3011; doi:10.3390/ma13133011 www.mdpi.com/journal/materials
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
