Fabrication of Platelet-Rich Fibrin-Coated Polycaprolactone/Hydroxyapatite (PCL-HA/PRF) 3D Printed Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

BACKGROUND: Tissue engineering is a potential technique for treating bone tissue abnormalities in the short and long terms. Aside from that, the use of 3D printing technology has considerable advantages in the production of bioengineering scaffolds for the treatment of patient-specific bone defects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to fabricate and characterize the 3D printed polycaprolactone/hydroxyapatite (PCL-HA) scaffolds modified with Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF). METHODS: The scaffolds were fabricated using 3D printing technology to provide a suitable environment for the bone regeneration. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and compression tests were utilized to characterize the scaffold morphology, microstructure, and mechanical properties, respectively. The potentials for the cell adhesion, proliferation, biocompatibility, and differentiation were also investigated. RESULTS: The 3D PCL-HA scaffold with linked pores had a moderately rough surface as a result of hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles incorporation, which resulted in the increased mechanical properties. Increased bone cell proliferation on the PCL-HA/PRF scaffold surface was seen as a result of the enhanced hydrophilicity and porosity of the PCL-HA/PRF scaffold as compared to the PCL scaffold. The MTT assay results showed that the PCL-HA/PRF scaffold was much more cyto-compatible than the PCL and PCL-HA scaffolds, which was a major improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that 3D printed PCL-HA scaffold supplemented with Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF) may be an effective scaffold for the bone tissue regeneration.