3D Printable Polyhydroxyalkanoate Hydrogels as Potential Scaffolds for Cartilage Replacement

abstract

English

Osteoarthritis affects approximately 10–12 % of the global population and causes significant pain and impaired joint function [1]. Despite this, conventional therapy, such as total joint arthroplasty, imposes considerable economic and patient-related burdens. Our study investigated the potential of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) hydrogels as cartilage replacement scaffolds by employing low-temperature three-dimensional printing and leveraging PHA's biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical properties. Polyhydroxyalkanoates, specifically poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) and its copolymers with poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) (P4HB), are promising materials for cartilage tissue engineering because of their desirable mechanical properties similar to those of cartilage, such as Young's modulus and viscoelastic modulus [2]. However, their hydrophobic nature hinders hydrogel formation. To overcome this limitation, a solvent-exchange method using water-miscible solvents, including dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and acetic acid, was adopted to facilitate the transition from organogels to hydrogels. The hydrogels were further 3D printed using direct ink writing (DIW), a low-temperature 3D printing method, to preserve the bioactivity of the encapsulated cells and growth factors. Pure P3HB and P4HB and their blends with agarose were prepared. The structural and mechanical properties of each formulation were evaluated, with a focus on characterisation using FTIR and XRD. The transition temperatures of the blends were determined using TGA. The successful preparation of PHA-based hydrogels intended for 3D printing was supported by the injectability and rheological properties results.

P3HB, organogel, arthroplasty, blends

KADLECOVÁ, Z.; ČERNEKOVÁ, N.; KOVALČÍK, A.; VOJTOVÁ, L.

1. 8. 2024

Materials Research Society of Serbia

Belgrade

978-86-919111-9-5

Program and Book of Abstracts

1

1

93

93

1

https://www.mrs-serbia.org.rs/index.php/yucomat-books-of-abstracts/yucomat-wrtcs-2024