Evaluation of Poly(<scp>l</scp>‐Co‐<scp>d,l</scp>‐Lactic Acid‐Co‐Trimethylene Carbonate) Scaffolds Fabricated by 3D Printing and Leaching for Bone Tissue Engineering
ABSTRACT Bone defect regeneration remains a complex clinical challenge, particularly in cases resulting from trauma, surgical procedures, congenital malformations, or tumor resections. Tissue engineering has emerged as a promising strategy by enabling the development of biocompatible and biodegradable scaffolds that mimic the native bone matrix. In this context, the present study evaluated the potential of three‐dimensional (3D) printed scaffolds composed of the terpolymer poly( l ‐co‐ d,l ‐lactic acid‐co‐trimethylene carbonate) (PLDLA‐TMC) for application in bone regeneration. Scaffolds were fabricated with thicknesses of 0.8 and 1.2 mm, incorporating sucrose particles (125–250 and 250–500 μm), which were subsequently removed by leaching to generate controlled porosity within the printed filaments. Physicochemical, thermal, and morphological analyses demonstrated that PLDLA‐TMC exhibits properties compatible with additive manufacturing processes and bone tissue regeneration. In vitro bioluminescence cytocompatibility assays revealed enhanced proliferation of MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblastic cells on thicker scaffolds (1.2 mm) leached with 125–250 μm sucrose particles. Confocal and scanning electron microscopy confirmed cell adhesion and extracellular matrix deposition. These findings suggest that PLDLA‐TMC scaffolds provide a suitable microenvironment for bone regeneration and hold promise for clinical applications in bone defect repair.
Authors
- Eliana Aparecida de Rezende Duek (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6327-7363)
- Bianca Sabino Leocádio Antunes (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5273-5138)
- Arnaldo Rodrigues Santos (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0535-0088)
- Rodrigo Gomes
- Bruna V. Quevedo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3945-5577)
- R. Delgado (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7325-8948)
Institutions
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos (BR)
- Universidade Federal do ABC (BR)
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (BR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Applied Polymer Science
- Published
- 2025-07-26
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/app.57715
- Primary Topic
- Bone Tissue Engineering Materials
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Universidade Federal do ABC
- Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
- Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior