3D Printing of Hydrogel/BaTiO3 Composite Scaffolds with Highly Improved Mechanical, Electrical, and Degradable Properties

Abstract

In clinical practice, the restoration of cartilage injury is a tough task. And manufacturing degradable cartilage scaffolds with strong mechanical properties and electrical activity remains a significant issue. In this study, the hydrogel/BaTiO3 composite scaffolds with greatly improved mechanical, electrical, and degradable properties were formed by digital light processing 3D printing. We found that the addition of BaTiO3 powders enabled the significant improvement of the compressive strength (212.8 kPa) and energy absorption (32.0 mJ/m3), which were as three and six times as those of pure hydrogel scaffolds, respectively. Besides, the composite scaffolds showed a voltage output of above 100 mV, which was two orders of magnitude higher than that of pure hydrogel scaffolds. This voltage output allows for the simulation of electrical microenvironment in native tissues that promote cartilage regeneration and remodeling. Finally, the degradation rate of the composite scaffolds reached 7.1% after 14 days of simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion, while that of the pure hydrogel scaffolds was only 2.8%. This study provides insight into the fabrication of high-performance functional scaffolds for treating cartilage defect.