Surface Functionalization of Three Dimensional-Printed Polycaprolactone-Bioactive Glass Scaffolds by Grafting GelMA Under UV Irradiation

In this study, bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNPs) with an average diameter of less than 10 nm were synthesized using a sol-gel method and then characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and x-ray spectroscopy (XRD). Afterward, three dimensional (3D)-printed polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds along with fused deposition modeling (FDM) were incorporated with BGNPs, and the surface of the composite constructs was then functionalized by coating with the gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) under UV irradiation. Field emission scanning electron microscopy micrographs demonstrated the interconnected porous microstructure with an average pore diameter of 260 mu m and homogeneous distribution of BGNPs. Therefore, no noticeable shrinkage was observed in 3D-printed scaffolds compared with the computer-designed file. Besides, the surface was uniformly covered by GelMA, and no effect of surface modification was observed on the microstructure while surface roughness increased. The addition of the BGNPs the to PCL scaffolds showed a slight change in pore size and porosity; however, it increased surface roughness. According to mechanical analysis, the compression strength of the scaffolds was increased by the BGNPs addition and surface modification. Also, a reduction was observed in the absorption capacity and biodegradation of scaffolds in phosphate-buffered saline media after the incorporation of BGNPs, while the presence of the GelMA layer increased the swelling potential and stability of the composite matrixes. Moreover, the capability of inducing bio-mineralization of hydroxyapatite-like layers, as a function of BGNPs content, was proven by FE-SEM micrographs, EDX spectra, and x-ray diffraction spectra (XRD) after soaking the obtained samples in concentrated simulated body fluid. A higher potential of the modified constructs to interact with the aqueous media led to better precipitation of minerals. According to in-vitro assays, the modified scaffolds can provide a suitable surface for the attachment and spreading of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Furthermore, the number of the proliferated cells confirms the biocompatibility of the scaffolds, especially after a modification process. Cell differentiation was verified by alkaline phosphatase activity as well as the expression of osteogenic genes such as osteocalcin and osteopontin. Accordingly, the scaffolds showed an initial potential for reconstruction of the injured bone.