3D PRINTING OF GELATIN/OXIDIZED CARBOXYMETHYL CELLULOSE SCAFFOLDS WITH GRADIENT POROSITY FOR BONE TISSUE REGENERATION APPLICATIONS

Abstract

This master thesis investigates the development and evaluation of 3D-printed gelatin/oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose (OxCMC) scaffolds with gradient porosity for applications in bone tissue regeneration. Recognizing the limitations of current bone repair methodologies, this research aims to mimic the natural extracellular matrix of bone through advanced scaffold engineering techniques. The thesis explores the synthesis and optimization of bioinks from gelatin and OxCMC, chosen for their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical properties conducive to 3D printing. Through extensive experimentation, including rheological tests, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, scaffold formulations were tailored to achieve desired porosity gradients and mechanical strength. The novel approach of utilizing a complex 3D printing model with different pinheads for varying ink compositions is highlighted as a key innovation. This method allowed for the creation of scaffolds that not only support cell adhesion and proliferation but also replicate the porosity gradient inherent to natural bone, thereby addressing a critical aspect of scaffold design in bone tissue engineering. Results indicated a direct correlation between the polymer content in the scaffolds and their swelling ability, degradation rates, and mechanical properties. Scaffolds with higher polymer content showed less swelling but greater mechanical strength, aligning with the requirements for supporting bone tissue regeneration. The gradient scaffold, in particular, demonstrated a balance between swelling behavior and mechanical integrity, suggesting its suitability for bone tissue engineering applications. This research contributes to the field of regenerative medicine by offering a promising scaffold design strategy for bone tissue regeneration. By closely mimicking the structural and mechanical properties of natural bone, the developed scaffolds hold potential for improving the outcomes of bone repair and regeneration procedures, paving the way for future clinical applications.