Effect of various blending ratios on the cell characteristics of PCL and PLGA scaffolds fabricated by polymer deposition system

Abstract

Threedimensional (3D) scaffolds for tissue engineering have been described using a variety of molding and solid freeform fabrication (SFF) technologies. In this study, we developed a polymer deposition system for the fabrication of a scaffold similar to a bio-mimic tissue or organ. A 3D scaffold with a controllable pore size and high porosity can be implemented using this system. A precision 200 μm nozzle, thermostat with a maximum temperature of 250°C, and dispenser with a maximum pressure of 850 kPa play important roles in determining the deposition characteristics of molten polymer. Poly (ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) were used to fabricate a biodegradable 3D scaffold. The dimensions of this scaffold were 25.0 × 10.0 × 4.0 mm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM, Tescan VEGA II LMU, Czech) was used to acquire images of the 3D scaffold. Biodegradable synthetic polymers were fabricated into 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering using various blending ratios: PCL, blended PCL(75)/PLGA(25), blended PCL(50)/PLGA(50), blended PCL(25)/PLGA(75), and PLGA. In this research, the compressive strength and modulus of the fabricated 3D scaffolds were measured from the stress-strain curves. Moreover, a CCK8 assay and the growth of MC3T3-E1 cells were evaluated at 37°C in a 5% CO2 incubator.