Degradation studies of resorbable 3D-printed scaffolds for bone regeneration

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Aldo Boccaccini
• Subject Area: Biomaterials
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 544134650

Extensive bone defects are a global health challenge as natural regeneration is not possible. Therefore, surgical intervention with implants is necessary to restore lost function. Over the past four decades, tissue engineering has found potential in the use of resorbable composites that contribute to the regeneration of bone tissue. Biodegradable scaffolds combining biomaterials such as bioactive glasses and biopolymers of natural or synthetic origin emerge as a potential strategy for hard tissue regeneration. Bioactive glasses exhibit osteoconductive, osteoinductive, osteogenic and angiogenic properties offering exceptional attributes for bone regeneration. On the other hand, biopolymers which degrade in cytocompatible compounds, provide rigidity and elasticity to the scaffold comparable to those of the natural tissue and enabling customization to meet individual patient needs. This project addresses the regeneration of bone defects using 3D-printed resorbable scaffolds. It focuses on studying the microstructure and mechanical properties throughout degradation, exploring the influence of ions, structural changes, and cellular response in vitro in the short and medium term. To achieve this, filaments containing a polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolymer and bioactive glass particles will be extruded and printed, resulting in resorbable three-dimensional scaffolds. The interaction of the bioactive glass particles with the polymer matrix will be evaluated in detail in terms of degradation behaviour and mechanical properties. Particularly, the bioactive behaviour of the glass particles characterized by the formation of hydroxyapatite and the release of dissolution products will be analysed to determine their potential influence on the mechanism and rate of degradation of the polymer and, consequently on the overall scaffold. Furthermore, the osteogenic and angiogenic potential of the scaffolds will be assessed for their application in bone regeneration.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Argentina
• Partner Organisation: Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Beatriz Araoz