FABRICATION OF GRADIENT SCAFFOLDS USING 3D PRINTING AND CRYOGELATION FOR REGENERATIVE MEDICINE APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Introduction: Tissue engineering is a promising area aiming to develop artificial tissues and organs to combat the worldwide shortage of organ donations and provide alternatives to in vivo animal testing. There are several obstacles associated with using allografts or autografts for tissue repair, including the risk of immune rejection, susceptibility to infections, and the limited supply of donor tissues. To address these challenges, scientists have developed artificial implants using various biomaterials, such as natural or synthetic polymers, metallic substances, and ceramics. These biomaterials offer a porous structure resembling the natural biological environment, regulate the extracellular matrix, and support the formation of bone tissue. A gradient scaffold with large pores promotes cell growth by facilitating the production of extracellular matrix. Method: In this study, we introduce a novel approach for creating multilayered porous scaffolds utilizing three-dimensional (3D) printing and cryogelation techniques. These scaffolds are constructed using hydrogel composed of a combination of Gelatin, oxidized alginate (OxAlg), and different concentrations of Hydroxyapatite (HAp). A series of analyses, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical assessments, and in vitro biocompatibility were carried out to evaluate the suitability of the multi-layered macroporous scaffold for supporting cell proliferation. Results: Our findings indicate that the multilayered scaffolds containing higher concentrations of HAp facilitated greater cell proliferation. This enhancement can be attributed to the structural arrangement of the multilayered scaffold, which offers an optimal environment for cells to adhere and multiply sequentially, layer upon layer. Conclusion: The conclusion drawn is that the multi-layered scaffolds with higher concentrations of HAp in this study are successful candidates for applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.