Development of bio-inspired PLA/bioglass scaffolds via 3D printed

• Grant number: 17/11366-7
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): September 01, 2017
• Status: Discontinued
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Antonio Pessan
• Grantee: Eduardo Henrique Backes
• Home Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 18/13625-2 - Evaluation of the mechanical properties and bioactivity of bio-inspired PLA/bioactive fillers scaffolds produced via 3D printing, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

Over the last years orthopedic procedures for bone repairs due to trauma, new implants, as well as new surgical procedures, have been developed. One of the most prominent alternatives is the development of scaffolds. These may be made of metals, ceramics or polymers and should mimic the natural extracellular matrix of bone (architecture, biochemistry and mechanical properties), allowing cell binding, proliferation and differentiation. The metal scaffolds present problems with the release of metallic ions, whereas the ceramic scaffolds are fragile and difficult to conformation and polymer scaffolds have insufficient mechanical properties. One way to produce scaffolds with adequate mechanical properties and bioactive behavior, is to produce PLA/bioglass composites, which will be developed in this project, joining the characteristics of biocompatibility and biodegradability of PLA and osteoinduction of bioglass. Conventional techniques for the production of polymer/bioglass composites employ solvents and originate morphology with pore size distribution. In this project the manufacture of PLA/bioglass scaffolds will be performed via additive manufacturing technique, 3D printing, for the production of bioactive scaffolds, with controlled morphology (pore sizes that mimic the bone structure) and which present mechanical and permeability properties adequate for application in bone regeneration. (AU)