Poly-lactic acid (PLA)/maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles mixed with ultra hard and flexible (UHF) bio-resin for 3D tissue engineering scaffold

Abstract

The need for tissue engineering (TE) scaffold in providing a template for bone growth has become tremendously important due to the challenges faced when dealing with large scale bone repair. Though many attempts have been made to develop TE scaffold, however, mechanical and biocompatible properties are still a major concern. The materials and the process plays crucial roles to determine the properties of the developed TE scaffold. In this study, digital light processing (DLP) 3D printer system was used. The DLP 3D printer uses the UV light projector to display the entire X and Y cross-sectional layer of the structure at once onto a polymer resin and solidified the liquid on the exposed area. The solidified layer is formed by slices on the collector and it moved on the Z axis to produce the structure of specific height. This system reduced processing time thus increasing the productivity and reproducibility of the scaffold. Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA) filled Maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles mixed with Ultra-Hard and Flexible (UHF) bioresin was used in this study. Maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles with its unique magnetic properties have increased the mechanical properties as well as the cell proliferation rate under 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The successful of fabricating 3D structure from PLA biopolymer, γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles and UHF bioresin via DLP 3D printing with enhanced mechanical and biocompatibility properties provide evidence of their great potential for use in various biomedical industry application.