3D-Printed Polycaprolactone Implants Modified with Bioglass and Zn-Doped Bioglass

In this work, composite filaments in the form of sticks and 3D-printed scaffolds were investigated as a future component of an osteochondral implant. The first part of the work focused on the development of a filament modified with bioglass (BG) and Zn-doped BG obtained by injection molding. The main outcome was the manufacture of bioactive, strong, and flexible filament sticks of the required length, diameter, and properties. Then, sticks were used for scaffold production. We investigated the effect of bioglass addition on the samples mechanical and biological properties. The samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and microtomography. The effect of bioglass addition on changes in the SBF mineralization process and cell morphology was evaluated. The presence of a spatial microstructure within the scaffolds affects their mechanical properties by reducing them. The tensile strength of the scaffolds compared to filaments was lower by 58-61%. In vitro mineralization experiments showed that apatite formed on scaffolds modified with BG after 7 days of immersion in SBF. Scaffold with Zn-doped BG showed a retarded apatite formation. Innovative 3D-printing filaments containing bioglasses have been successfully applied to print bioactive scaffolds with the surface suitable for cell attachment and proliferation.

Automated summary

In this study, composite filaments modified with bioglass and Zn-doped bioglass were developed for the production of osteochondral implants. The manufactured filaments exhibited bioactivity, strength, and flexibility. These filaments were then used to produce scaffolds, and the effect of bioglass addition on the mechanical and biological properties of the samples was investigated. The presence of a spatial microstructure within the scaffolds reduced their mechanical properties. In vitro mineralization experiments showed apatite formation on scaffolds modified with bioglass, while apatite formation was delayed on scaffolds modified with Zn-doped bioglass. Innovative 3D-printing filaments containing bioglasses were successfully applied to print bioactive scaffolds suitable for cell attachment and proliferation.