3D-Printed Composite Bone Bricks For Large Bone Tissue Applications

This study investigates the use of low cost, customizable, biodegradable, polymer-ceramic composite porous structures (bone bricks) for large bone tissue regeneration. Different ceramic materials (hydroxyapatite (HA), β-tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) and Bioglass (45S5) were mixed with poly-e-caprolactone (PCL). Bone bricks with different material compositions were produced using an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system. Produced bone bricks were morphologically and mechanically assessed. Results allowed to establish a correlation between scaffolds architecture and material composition and scaffolds performance. Reinforced scaffolds showed improved mechanical properties. Best mechanical properties were obtained with PCL/TCP bone bricks and topologies based on 38 double zig zag filaments and 14 spirals.