Indirect additive manufacturing as an elegant tool for the production of self-supporting low density gelatin scaffolds

J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2015 Oct;26(10):247. doi: 10.1007/s10856-015-5566-4. Epub 2015 Sep 28.

Abstract

The present work describes for the first time the production of self-supporting low gelatin density (<10 w/v%) porous scaffolds using methacrylamide-modified gelatin as an extracellular matrix mimicking component. As porous scaffolds starting from low gelatin concentrations cannot be realized with the conventional additive manufacturing techniques in the abscence of additives, we applied an indirect fused deposition modelling approach. To realize this, we have printed a sacrificial polyester scaffold which supported the hydrogel material during UV crosslinking, thereby preventing hydrogel structure collapse. After complete curing, the polyester scaffold was selectively dissolved leaving behind a porous, interconnective low density gelatin scaffold. Scaffold structural analysis indicated the success of the selected indirect additive manufacturing approach. Physico-chemical testing revealed scaffold properties (mechanical, degradation, swelling) to depend on the applied gelatin concentration and methacrylamide content. Preliminary biocompatibility studies revealed the cell-interactive and biocompatible properties of the materials developed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Calorimetry, Differential Scanning
  • Cattle
  • Cell Line
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Gelatin / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels
  • Materials Testing
  • Porosity
  • Rheology
  • Surface Properties
  • Tissue Engineering / methods
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Hydrogels
  • Gelatin