4D Biofabrication Using a Combination of 3D Printing and Melt-Electrowriting of Shape-Morphing Polymers

We report the fabrication of scroll-like scaffolds with anisotropic topography using 4D printing based on a combination of 3D extrusion printing of methacrylated alginate, melt-electrowriting of polycaprolactone fibers, and shape-morphing of the fabricated object. A combination of 3D extrusion printing and melt-electrowriting allows programmed deposition of different materials and fabrication of structures with high resolution. Shape-morphing allows the transformation of a patterned surface of a printed structure in a pattern on inner surface of a folded object that is used to align cells. We demonstrate that the concentration of calcium ions, the environment media, and the geometrical shape of the scaffold influences shape-morphing that allows it to be efficiently programmed. Myoblasts cultured inside a scrolled bilayer scaffold demonstrate excellent viability and proliferation. Moreover, the patterned surface generated by PCL fibers allow a very high degree of orientation of cells, which cannot be achieved on the alginate layer without fibers.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates the fabrication of scroll-like scaffolds with anisotropic topography using 4D printing techniques by combining 3D extrusion printing and melt-electrowriting. Shape-morphing technology allows efficient alignment of cells within the scaffold, with factors such as calcium ion concentration, environmental media, and scaffold geometry influencing the shape-morphing process. Additionally, the inclusion of PCL fibers in the scaffold generates a patterned surface that enables a high degree of cell orientation, which is not achievable on the alginate layer without fibers.