Evaluation of 3d printed polycaprolactone hydroxyapatite tissue scaffolds created using fused deposition modeling

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Biomaterial tissue scaffolds continue to grow as a potential solution for drug release and regenerative medicine. With the growing technology of 3D printing, these techniques are being explored to create customizable scaffolds for patients. This study examines the application of 3D printing customizablestructures for bone defects or damage by combining a commonly used 3D printable thermoplastic Poly(?-caprolactone) (PCL) with Hydroxyapatite. A mineral naturally found in human bones known for its properties to promote bone growth. By using a 3D printer it allows the user to tailor a scaffold structure to a patient's specific need helping to speed up the recovery of the patient. By combining these materials the strength of the material decreased, however with the inclusion of the hydroxyapatite appearing on the surface of these scaffolds the regenerative properties of this fabrication technique could be further explored for future applications of these bone tissue scaffolds.