Poly(lactic acid) and Nanocrystalline Cellulose Methacrylated Particles for Preparation of Cryogelated and 3D-Printed Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

Different parts of bones possess different properties, such as the capacity for remodeling cell content, porosity, and protein composition. For various traumatic or surgical tissue defects, the application of tissue-engineered constructs seems to be a promising strategy. Despite significant research efforts, such constructs are still rarely available in the clinic. One of the reasons is the lack of resorbable materials, whose properties can be adjusted according to the intended tissue or tissue contacts. Here, we present our first results on the development of a toolbox, by which the scaffolds with easily tunable mechanical and biological properties could be prepared. Biodegradable poly(lactic acid) and nanocrystalline cellulose methacrylated particles were obtained, characterized, and used for preparation of three-dimensional scaffolds via cryogelation and 3D printing approaches. The composition of particles-based ink for 3D printing was optimized in order to allow formation of stable materials. Both the modified-particle cytotoxicity and the matrix-supported cell adhesion were evaluated and visualized in order to confirm the perspectives of materials application.

Automated summary

Different bones have different properties, such as their ability to remodel, porosity, and protein composition. Tissue-engineered constructs are promising for tissue defects, but their availability in clinics is limited due to the lack of resorbable materials. In this study, researchers have developed a toolbox for creating scaffolds with adjustable mechanical and biological properties using biodegradable poly(lactic acid) and nanocrystalline cellulose methacrylated particles. The results show the potential application of these materials through cytotoxicity and cell adhesion evaluations.