3D multi-nozzle system with dual drives highly potential for 3D complex scaffolds with multi-biomaterials

Recently, additive manufacturing is one of the most focused research topics due to its explosive development, especially in manufacturing engineering and medical science. In order to build 3D complex scaffolds with multi-biomaterials for clinical application, a new 3D multi-nozzle system with dual-mode drives, i.e. ejection and extrusion was developed. In this paper, much effort was made to gain fine control of droplet and excellent coordination during fabrication. Specifically, the parameters that influence the size and stability of droplet most was intensively studied. Considering that the biomaterials used in the future may have much difference in properties, the combination of parameters was investigated to facilitate the settings for certainsized droplets, which are potentially eligible for bio-printing. The dispensing nozzles can work well both in independent and convergent mode, which can be freely switched. Outstanding to the most currently used 3D bio-printing techniques, this system can fabricate scaffolds with multi-materials of both low viscosity (by pneumatic dispensing) and high viscosity (through motor extrusion). It is highly expected that this system can satisfy clinical application in the near future

Fabrication and characterisation of 3D complex hydroxyapatite scaffolds with hierarchical porosity of different features for optimal bioactive performance

To improve the biological performance of hydroxyapatite scaffolds in bone tissue engineering, graphite was used as porogen to create additional micro/nanoporosity to macroporosity, resulting in hierarchical porosity. For maximum imitation of natural bone structures, scaffolds with different porosity features were fabricated using micron/nano-sized graphite. The sintering profile of graphite treated scaffolds was optimised to reduce the influence of shrinkage. To confirm the porosity features, the micro/nanostructures of scaffolds were characterised by scanning electron microscopy and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method. Considering that hydroxyapatite is resistant to biodegradation in vivo, the degradation rate of scaffolds in modified simulated body fluid was examined. Furthermore, biological evaluations based on myoblasts were carried out to investigate the influence of porosity features on the essential performance such as adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. The results indicate that the scaffolds with dominant microporosity and little nanoporosity formed inside had high potential for clinical applications due to improved performance in bioactivity

Novel fabrication of hierarchically porous hydroxyapatite scaffolds with refined porosity and suitable strength

Based on extrusion deposition and foaming technique, a novel method for biological hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds was introduced in this paper. The scaffolds were primarily characterised by interconnected and hierarchically porous structures with high porosity, adjustable distribution of pore sizes, as well as considerable mechanical strength. In order to confirm that fine control of bulk porosity and mechanical strength was possible and feasible, further analysis of obtained scaffolds was carried out by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), compressive test and calculation of volumetric shrinkage; in particular, the additional porosity resulting from the introduction of pore former was evaluated. The results indicated that this method can have a great potential to construct HA scaffolds of suitable quality for spongy bone in bone tissue engineering