Selection of the appropriate pore size, surface modification technique for 3D printed tracheal graft and evaluation of its property

Abstract

Objective To prepare 3D printed porous tracheal graft fabricated by PCL and to select the appropriate pore size and surface modification techniques, in order to explore its effect on cell behavior. Methods The PCL porous tracheal graft was prepared by 3D printing technology and biomechanical properties of the graft were measured by means of longitudinal tension, radial compression and three-point bending test. The porous grafts were surface-modified through hydrolysis, amination and nanocrystallization treatment and then characterized by energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS). The effect of different pore sizes and surface modifications on the cell proliferation behavior was evaluated by CCK-8 and scanning electron microscopy(SEM). Results The 3D printed porous tracheal graft had similar morphology with the native tracheas(P>0.05) and better biomechanical properties(P<0.05). It was more suitable for cell adhesion and proliferation when the pore size is 200 μm(P<0.05). Compared to hydrolysis and amination, nanocrystallization treatment successfully improved the cytotropism of the 3D printed tracheal graft(P<0.05). Conclusion 3D printed porous tracheal graft shows favorable biomechanical properties. The appropriate pore size of the 3D printed porous tracheal graft is 200 μm and the appropriate surface modification techniques is nanocrystallization. Key words: 3D printing Trachea Polycaprolactone Surface modifications Evaluation