Runqiu Xu

Master student

Effect of functionalization of 3D printed PCL-bioactive glass composite scaffolds

 

Supervisors: Kanwal Ilyas and Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini

Bioactive glasses (BGs) have been proposed for tissue engineering applications [1]. The surface properties of BGs are key for the successful binding and interaction between BG-based scaffolds and cells. Surface functionalization and modification can enhance the biological activity of BGs [2]. The biodegradable, biocompatible polymer Polycaprolactone (PCL) is one of the most widely used materials in 3D printing for biomedical application due to its low cost and excellent rheological and viscoelastic properties . In this study, BG (45S5) will be incorporated into polycaprolactone (PCL) and 3D printed bioactive composite scaffolds will be fabricated by utilizing additive manufacturing technique. Different functional group will be introduced on the surface of the scaffolds to enhance their biological activity. Physicochemical and biological characterization will be performed on prepared 3D printed scaffolds.

[1]. Gerhardt, L.-C., and Boccaccini, A. R., “Bioactive glass and glass-ceramic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.” Materials 3 (2010): 3867-3910.

[2]. Kargozar, S., et al. “Functionalization and surface modifications of bioactive glasses (BGs): tailoring of the biological response working on the outermost surface layer.” Materials 12 (2019): 3696.