Production and characterization of PCL/TCP/SiO2/ZnO composite scaffolds via 3D printing for bone regeneration

• Grant number: 24/09377-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Eduardo Henrique Backes
• Grantee: Marco Antônio de Moraes Miazaki
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The increasing need for bone tissue to treat defects caused by diseases or injuries has driven the search for new solutions to provide functional substitutes that can meet each patient's specific needs. In response to the limited availability of bone material from the patient's body, such as autologous bones, many researchers have been exploring new artificial and multifunctional bone grafts made from synthetic polymers to repair critical injuries or defects. Thus, this project proposes the production of 3D-printed scaffolds using composites of poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL)/tricalcium phosphate (TCP) modified with silicon dioxide (SiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO), aiming to enhance the existing PCL/TCP structures currently used for large bone defect regeneration. Si and Zn are elements that respectively promote the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts and have antibacterial properties. The scaffolds will be produced via 3D printing from the composites developed through melt mixing. Mechanical properties, microstructural characteristics using scanning electron microscopy, cellular viability using MC3T3 cells, and the ability to inhibit the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus will be evaluated in these scaffolds.