3D-Printable Biodegradable Polyester Tissue Scaffolds for Cell Adhesion

Abstract

Additive manufacturing, or three-dimensional (3D) printing, has emerged as a viable technique for the production of vascularized tissue engineering scaffolds. In this report, a biocompatible and biodegradable poly(tri(ethylene glycol) adipate) dimethacrylate was synthesized and characterized for suitability in soft-tissue scaffolding applications. The polyester dimethacrylate exhibited highly efficient photocuring, hydrolyzability, and 3D printability in a custom microstereolithography system. The photocured polyester film demonstrated significantly improved cell attachment and viability as compared with controls. These results indicate promise of novel, printable polyesters for 3D patterned, vascularized soft-tissue engineering scaffolds.