The Application of Polycaprolactone in Three-Dimensional Printing Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Bone tissue engineering commonly encompasses the use of three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds to provide a suitable microenvironment for the propagation of cells to regenerate damaged tissues or organs. 3D printing technology has been extensively applied to allow direct 3D scaffolds manufacturing. Polycaprolactone (PCL) has been widely used in the fabrication of 3D scaffolds in the field of bone tissue engineering due to its advantages such as good biocompatibility, slow degradation rate, the less acidic breakdown products in comparison to other polyesters, and the potential for loadbearing applications. PCL can be blended with a variety of polymers and hydrogels to improve its properties or to introduce new PCL-based composites. This paper describes the PCL used in developing state of the art of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. In this review, we provide an overview of the 3D printing techniques for the fabrication of PCL-based composite scaffolds and recent studies on applications in different clinical situations. For instance, PCL-based composite scaffolds were used as an implant surgical guide in dental treatment. Furthermore, future trend and potential clinical translations will be discussed.

Keywords: bone tissue engineering; polycaprolactone; three-dimensional scaffolds.

Figure 1

Schematic of MEW device design illustrating the use of heated air to control syringe and needle temperature while using air pressure and high voltage to draw PCL and to produce electrospun fibers [21]. Copyright 2018 Elsevier.

Figure 2

The PCL scaffolds fabricated by FDM and MEW. (A) The PCL scaffold fabricated by FDM and (B) cells cultured on it. (C) The PCL scaffold fabricated by MEW and (D) cells cultured on it.

Figure 3

SEM micrographs of the (A) circle, (B) sinusoidal, and (C) orthogonal scaffolds produced [70]. Copyright 2018 MDPI.

Figure 4

Overall modeling process of the implant guide scaffold: (a) Red dashed line: alveolar bone defect of mandible; (b) 3D modeling process of CT image; (c) 3D scaffold cover of the defect area; (d) 4 thru holes for inserting implant fixture; (e) Final model of implant-guided scaffold [89]. Copyright 2017 MDPI.

Figure 5

Vertical bone augmentation with a 3D printing approach. (A) Description of the clinical problem following surgical re-entry in previously elevated bone, resulting in significant bone resorption. (B) Timeline of the experimental approach involving a two-staged strategy; bone formation following surgical re-entry and implant placement [136]. Copyright 2021 Elsevier.