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Hybrid multi-layered scaffolds produced via grain extrusion and electrospinning for 3D cell culture tests

Paola Ginestra (Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy)
Stefano Pandini (Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy)
Elisabetta Ceretti (Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy)

Rapid Prototyping Journal

ISSN: 1355-2546

Article publication date: 8 January 2020

Issue publication date: 3 April 2020

176

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the production of scaffolds with specific morphology and mechanical behavior to satisfy specific requirements regarding their stiffness, biological interactions and surface structure that can promote cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions though proper porosity, pore size and interconnectivity.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study was focused on the production of multi-layered hybrid scaffolds made of polycaprolactone and consisting in supporting grids obtained by Material Extrusion (ME) alternated with electrospun layers. An open source 3D printer was utilized, with a grain extrusion head that allows the production and distribution of strands on the plate according to the designed geometry. Square grid samples were observed under optical microscope showing a good interconnectivity and spatial distribution of the pores, while scanning electron microscope analysis was used to study the electrospun mats morphology.

Findings

A good adhesion between the ME and electrospinning layers was achieved by compression under specific thermomechanical conditions obtaining a hybrid three-dimensional scaffold. The mechanical performances of the scaffolds have been analyzed by compression tests, and the biological characterization was carried out by seeding two different cells phenotypes on each side of the substrates.

Originality/value

The structure of the multi-layered scaffolds demonstrated to play an important role in promoting cell attachment and proliferation in a 3D culture formation. It is expected that this design will improve the performances of osteochondral scaffolds with a strong influence on the required formation of an interface tissue and structure that need to be rebuilt.

Keywords

Citation

Ginestra, P., Pandini, S. and Ceretti, E. (2020), "Hybrid multi-layered scaffolds produced via grain extrusion and electrospinning for 3D cell culture tests", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 593-602. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-03-2019-0079

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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