Effect of Electron Beam Sterilization on Three-Dimensional-Printed Polycaprolactone/Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering.

Content Provider	Europe PMC
Author	Bruyas, Arnaud Moeinzadeh, Seyedsina Kim, Sungwoo Lowenberg, David W. Yang, Yunzhi Peter
Copyright Year	2019
Abstract	Three-dimensional printing of composite materials such as polycaprolactone/beta-tricalcium phosphate (PCL/β-TCP) enables the design and manufacturing of scaffolds with advanced geometries, along with improved physical and biological properties for large bone defect repair. Terminal sterilization of the scaffolds is inevitable for clinical applications. Electron beam (E-beam) is nontoxic, and can be used for sterilizing heat-sensitive scaffolds by the use of high radiation dose in a short period of time. In this article, we assessed the influence of E-beam sterilization on the properties of 3D-printed PCL/β-TCP scaffolds, focusing on the key physical and biological properties for bone tissue engineering. More specifically, we characterized the effect of a single-dose E-beam sterilization (25 kGy, ISO 11137) on surface morphology, hydrophilicity, degradation, and mechanical properties of the scaffolds as well as in vitro biological responses. The results showed that E-beam irradiation did not alter the surface properties of scaffolds. A 14% increase in initial mechanical stiffness and strength of the scaffolds was observed after E-beam treatment. In addition, the E-beam-treated scaffolds had 25% faster degradation. The PCL chains within the scaffolds had larger polydispersity after the E-beam irradiation that was indicative of a concurrent cross-linking and chain scission. Moreover, in vitro cell studies showed no influence of E-beam sterilization on viability, attachment, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of cells seeded on the PCL/β-TCP scaffolds. Impact Statement Providing customized geometries and improved control in physical and biological properties, 3D-printed polycaprolactone/beta-tricalcium phosphate (PCL/β-TCP) composite constructs are of high interest for bone tissue engineering applications. A critical step toward the translation and clinical applications of these types of scaffolds is terminal sterilization, and E-beam irradiation might be the most relevant method because of PCL properties. Through in vitro experimental testing of both physical and biological properties, it is proven in this article that E-beam irradiation is relevant for sterilization of 3D-printed PCL/β-TCP scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.
Related Links	https://europepmc.org/backend/ptpmcrender.fcgi?accid=PMC6388713&blobtype=pdf
Page Count	9
ISSN	19373341
Volume Number	25
DOI	10.1089/ten.tea.2018.0130
PubMed Central reference number	PMC6388713
Issue Number	3-4
PubMed reference number	30234441
Journal	Tissue Engineering. Part A [Tissue Eng Part A]
e-ISSN	1937335X
Language	English
Publisher	Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
Publisher Date	2018-10-27
Publisher Place	USA
Access Restriction	Open
Rights License	Copyright 2019, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
Subject Keyword	electron beam sterilization bone tissue engineering 3D printing composite PCL
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Biomaterials Biochemistry Bioengineering Biomedical Engineering