3D printing of hydrogels and nanoparticle containing bio-inks for bone tissue regeneration

Abstract

In tissue engineering, biomaterials paves the route for faster and less painful regeneration of tissues. In the present study, 2 set of scaffolds made of mixtures of different proportions of low and medium molecular weight alginates with and without hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA NPs) were prepared by 3D printing for bone regeneration. Different tests were done to characterize the scaffolds. Printability of scaffolds, SEM analysis were performed to characterize printed scaffolds of the desired design. Biodegradation studies of the scaffolds as well as cell viability in 3D culture were performed. All the formulations with different alginates proportions (with and without HA NPs) were printable. SEM showed the intact scaffold with well-defined filaments showing porous spongy structure with homogeneously distributed components. Biodegradation analyses showed complete degradation of the scaffolds within 14 to 21 days depending on the composition. Cell viability analysis revealed 95 to 100%viability of cells after 28 days