Changmin Li

Master student

3D Printing of Polymer–Bioactive Glass Scaffolds Coated with Drug-Delivering Nanoparticles

 

Supervisors: Marina Maric and Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini

A wide variety of composite scaffolds with tailored geometry, and pore size can be fabricated using advanced 3D printing techniques [1]. In this study 3D- printed composite scaffolds composed of polylactic acid (PLA) incorporating bioactive glass (BG) particles are fabricated by means of fused deposition modeling (FDM). The chemical composition and surface characteristics of the scaffolds will be investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), water contact angle measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs), especially when doped with therapeutic ions, offer high bioactivity and multifunctionality. Boron containing glasses are particularly attractive due to their unique degradation behavior and their ability to convert to hydroxyapatite [2]. The incorporation of therapeutic ions can significantly enhance the bone regeneration potential of boron containing bioactive glasses. For example, cobalt ion doping has been shown to markedly stimulate angiogenesis, promoting wound repair, while silver ion addition can further support bone healing processes. The printed scaffolds will be coated with a secondary composite consisting of chitosan and ion-doped MBGNs to improve cellular interactions, osteogenic differentiation and overall bioactivity. This multilayer design strategy combines the mechanical and structural benefits of printed polymer scaffolds with the biological functionality of MBGNs, offering a promising approach for next-generation bone tissue engineering applications.

[1] K. IIyas, M. A. Akhta, E. B. Ammar, and A. R. Boccaccini. “Surface Modification of 3D-Printed PCL/BG Composite Scaffolds via Mussel-Inspired Polydopamine and Effective Antibacterial Coatings for Biomedical Applications”. Materials, 15, 8289. Nov. 2022. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238289

[2] D. Ege, K. Zheng, and A. R. Boccaccini. “Borate Bioactive Glasses (BBG): Bone Regeneration, Wound Healing Applications, and Future Directions”. ACS Applied Bio Materials, 5, 8, 3608-3622. July 2022. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsabm.2c00384