Biocompatibility of CAD/CAM ORMOCER polymer scaffold structures

Abstract

ABSTRACTA fresh approach with a novel process and a hybrid material is explored for developing designer 3-dimensional functional tissue scaffolds. The process of two photon-induced polymerization generally used for electronic and optical materials is introduced for developing biological scaffolds. Hybrid materials containing organic-inorganic units, ORMOCERs, fabricated with this process are tested for biocompatibility using various cell-types and compared with known standards such as polystyrene and ECM (Extracellular Matrix). Results show good adherence of different cells to these materials, and a growth rate comparable to bioactive materials. Structures with various surface topologies are developed and tested for preferential growth. The study is a first step towards developing bioactive and bioresorbable heterogeneous three-dimensional scaffolds.