Development and characterization of biocomposite scaffolds based on poly (µ-caprolactone) with HA and TCP fillers via 3D printing for bone regeneration

Abstract

Bone tissue exhibits the intrinsic ability to regenerate its architecture and function after some injury. However, this capacity is limited, and after a certain critical stage, surgical interventions are necessary. Some techniques adopted in regenerative medicine involve the use of metallic materials, such as stainless steel and titanium, in the form of pins and plates, to restore fractured tissue. However, factors such as long surgical procedures and prolonged recovery represent disadvantages of this application. In this sense, tissue engineering emerges, aiming at the development of biocompatible functional substitutes for bone tissue regeneration, called scaffolds, which can be made from polymeric matrix biocomposites with bioactive fillers and using additive manufacturing/3D printing. Traditional tissue engineering uses scaffolds, often made of polymers like poly (µ-caprolactone) (PCL), modified with bioactive fillers such as hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP), to improve their biological and mechanical characteristics. Fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing allows the creation of scaffolds with customized size and pore structures to better meet patient needs. This study aims to produce porous structures of PCL/HA/TCP with controlled three-dimensional morphology, aiming for high bioactivity and suitable mechanical properties for bone regeneration. Thus, this project will investigate the development of different biocomposites using PCL/HA/TCP and analysis of mechanical, thermal, rheological, microstructural, and biological properties via SBF, in order to determine compositions for application in the production of 3D-printed scaffolds, aiming at the development of bone substitutes.