Induction of osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells on 3D polyester-based scaffolds solely by subphysiological fluidic stimulation in a laminar flow bioreactor

The fatal determination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BMSC) is closely associated with mechano-environmental factors in addition to biochemical clues. The aim of this study was to induce osteogenesis in the absence of chemical stimuli using a custom-designed laminar flow bioreactor. BMSC were seeded onto synthetic microporous scaffolds and subjected to the subphysiological level of fluid flow for up to 21 days. During the perfusion, cell proliferation was significantly inhibited. There were also morphological changes, with F-actin polymerisation and upregulation of ROCK1. Notably, in BMSC subjected to flow, mRNA expression of osteogenic markers was significantly upregulated and RUNX2 was localised in the nuclei. Further, under perfusion, there was greater deposition of collagen type 1 and calcium onto the scaffolds. The results confirm that an appropriate level of fluid stimuli preconditions BMSC towards the osteoblastic lineage on 3D scaffolds in the absence of chemical stimulation, which highlights the utility of flow bioreactors in bone tissue engineering.

Polymer-Based Instructive Scaffolds for Endodontic Regeneration

The challenge of endodontic regeneration is modulated by clinical conditions which determine five kinds of tissue requirements: pulp connective-tissue formation, dentin formation, revascularization, reinnervation and radicular edification. Polymer scaffolds constitute keystone of the different endodontic regenerative strategies. Indeed, scaffolds are crucial for carrying active molecules and competent cells which optimize the regeneration. Hydrogels are very beneficial for controlling viscosity and porosity of endodontic scaffolds. The nanofibrous and microporous scaffolds mimicking extracellular matrix are also of great interest for promoting dentin-pulp formation. Two main types of polymer scaffolds are highlighted: collagen and fibrin. Collagen scaffolds which are similar to native pulp tissue, are adequate for pulp connective tissue formation. Functionnalization by active biomolecules as BMP, SDF-1, G-CSF enhances their properties. Fibrin or PRF scaffolds present the advantage of promoting stem cell differentiation and concomitant revascularisation. The choice of the type of polymers (polypeptide, PCL, chitosan) can depend on its ability to deliver the active biomolecule or to build as suitable hydrogel as possible. Since 2010s, proposals to associate different types of polymers in a same scaffold have emerged for adding advantages or for offsetting a disadvantage of a polymer. Further works would study the synergetic effects of different innovative polymers composition.

Effect of print orientation on microstructural features and mechanical properties of 3D porous structures printed with continuous digital light processing

Purpose This paper aims to study the effects of part orientation during the 3D printing process, particularly to the case of using continuous digital light processing (cDLP) technology. Design/methodology/approach The effects of print orientation on the print accuracy of microstructural features were assessed using microCT imaging and mechanical properties of cDLP microporous scaffolds were characterized under simple compression and complex biaxial loading. Resin viscosity was also quantified to incorporate this factor in the printing discussion. Findings The combined effect of print resin viscosity and the orientation and spacing of pores within the structure alters how uncrosslinked resin flows within the construct during cDLP printing. Microstructural features in horizontally printed structures exhibited greater agreement to the design dimensions than vertically printed constructs. While cDLP technologies have the potential to produce mechanically isotropic solid constructs because of bond homogeneity, the effect of print orientation on microstructural feature sizes can result in structurally anisotropic porous constructs. Originality/value This work is useful to elucidate on the specific capabilities of 3D printing cDLP technology. The orientation of the part can be used to optimize the printing process, directly altering parameters such as the supporting structures required, print time, layering, shrinkage or surface roughness. This study further detailed the effects on the mechanical properties and the print accuracy of the printed scaffolds.