3D-printed PCL scaffolds for the cultivation of mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract

Introduction: Tissue engineering is a field which is currently under a great deal of investigation for the development and/or restoration of tissue and organs, through the combination of cell therapy with biomaterials. Rapid prototyping or additive manufacturing is a versatile technology which makes possible the fabrication of three dimensional (3D) structures from a wide range of materials with complex geometry and accuracy, such as scaffolds.

Aim: The aim of this study has been to investigate the interaction between mesenchymal stem cells with poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) biomaterials used for obtaining scaffolds through additive manufacturing.

Materials and methods: Scanning electron microscopy, confocal microscopy and biological assays were performed to analyse the successful interaction between the cells and the biomaterials.

Results: As a result, the number of viable cells attached to the scaffolds was lower when compared to the control group; however, it was possible to observe cells in the scaffolds since day 1 of analysis, with regions of confluence after 21 days of seeding.

Conclusions: To conclude, these biomaterials are interesting if used as medical artifacts, principally in tissue with prolonged regeneration time and which requires 3D supports with good mechanical properties.