Study of a polyester polyol thermoplastic paste for 3D printing of bone scaffolds

Author

Santiago Muñoz, Josep

Abstract

The increase in life expectancy due to advances in science and medicine is generating diseases, disorders, and conditions mainly musculoskeletal that were not so frequent in the past. Musculoskeletal disorders involve related bones, muscles, and tissues, including more than 150 diagnoses that affect the musculoskeletal system. The loss of mobility and physical independence resulting from arthropathies and fractures can be particularly devastating in the older population, not only physically and psychologically, but also in terms of increased mortality rates. This has a great impact on today's society, since people's daily activities and responsibilities are complicated, which reduces the quality of life of the population. Given that musculoskeletal tissue is very complex, and addressing a possible solution to treat it would require immense work, this thesis will focus on one part of this tissue: bone tissue.
For this, a paste has been developed to be printed in 3D. This paste has two phases. A first mineral phase, composed of hydroxyapatite (HAp), (a mineral present in bones) and phosphate buffer saline (PBS) that gives the paste the necessary bioactivity for bone tissue to regenerate, leading to cell recruitment and differentiation of osteoblasts. The second phase is polymeric. It is made of polyester pennyroyal, a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer that confers thermoplastic properties to the paste so that the paste flows, extrudes, and is 3D printed.
This paste was finally printed on "scaffolds" or cadafals and put in contact with the cells. 3D printing is valid to replace large bone damage or fractures. However, the cells do not show great viability or proliferation, questioning the use of the paste.

Director

Borrós i Gómez, Salvador
Teixidó Bartes, Robert

Degree

IQS SE - Master’s Degree in Bioengineering

Date

2021-09-22