Developing 3D scaffolds in the field of tissue engineering to treat complex bone defects

Polymers have been extensively used to develop 3D scaffolds in the field of tissue engineering and consist of certain design requirements such as biocompatibility, structural properties, and varying porosity inside of complex geometries, all with the ultimate goal of incorporating living cells within the scaffold structure. In this work, we present the synthesis and material characterization of hybrid spools using polycaprolactone (PCL) as the base polymer. We demonstrate that a commercial 3D Fused Deposition Modeling printer such as MakerBot can be used to print 3D scaffolds using three types of polymer spools: PCL, PCL-poly lactic acid, and PCL-hydroxyapatite. Data derived from computer tomography can be used to develop hollow porous cages using PCL. Finally, we demonstrate that log-pile scaffolds are capable of being infused with a mixture of living cells and gelatin hydrogel and that high cellular viability is maintained throughout the printed structure. This work could be potentially useful in the treatment of patients with complex bone defects.