Abstract
Surgical reconstruction of extensive tracheal lesions is challenging. It requires a mechanically stable, biocompatible, and nontoxic material that gradually degrades. One of the possible solutions for overcoming the limitations of tracheal transplantation is a three-dimensional (3D) printed tracheal scaffold made of polymers. Polymer blending is one of the methods used to produce material for a trachea scaffold with tailored characteristics. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the mechanical and in vitro properties of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polylactic acid (PLA) blend as a potential material for 3D printed tracheal scaffolds. Both materials were melt-blended using a single screw extruder. The morphologies (as well as the mechanical and thermal characteristics) were determined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, tensile test, and Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC). The samples were also evaluated for their water absorption, in vitro biodegradability, and biocompatibility. It is demonstrated that, despite being not miscible, TPU and PLA are biocompatible, and their promising properties are suitable for future applications in tracheal tissue engineering.
Highlights
Tracheal injury can result from several conditions, including cancer, infection, trauma, or congenital anomalies
The purpose of this study is to determine the physical and mechanical properties, as well as the absorption, in vitro degradation, and biocompatibility, of a series of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polylactic acid (PLA) blends that will be produced as filaments and
The purpose of this study is to determine the physical and mechanical properties, as well as the absorption, in vitro degradation, and biocom6 of 16 patibility, of a series of TPU and PLA blends that will be produced as filaments and printed as a potential material for tracheal replacement
Summary
Tracheal injury can result from several conditions, including cancer, infection, trauma, or congenital anomalies. Out of this number, two-thirds are above the age of 50, while almost 2000 are below the age of eighteen and only one-third of the total numbers received organ transplantation [3]. The natural grafts derived from donors are challenged by the possibility of severe immune-rejection risks and complications caused by infection or disease from the donor-to-patient [4].
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