An Evaluation of a PCL/Halloysite Scaffold for Maxillofacial Tissue Regeneration

Objectives: With the advent of three-dimensional printing as a technique to regenerate defected tissues, many materials have been examined to tune the required properties. The aim of this study is developing a 3D-printed polycaprolactone (PCL)/halloysite hybrid scaffold for maxillofacial bone regeneration and to test its compatibility and durability under typical compression of the jaw during masticatory function.
Methods: We have successfully printed eighteen PCL scaffolds divided into three groups of different shifts in the X and Y dimensions of the printing pattern. After many trials, we have perfected the design of a porous and symmetrical scaffold suitable for tissue engineering application. The addition of halloysite nanoclay to the PCL allowed for successful fabrication of a novel composite-based scaffold. Our aim was to examine the difference in the compressive strength of the PCL scaffold and the composite scaffold to verify our hypothesis that the addition of the nanoclay to the scaffold makes the construct more compatible with the function of the jaw under the normal compressive force of mastication. In vitro studies were also conducted using osteoblast cells to test the biocompatibility of the scaffolds.
Results: Potency of the novel scaffold composed of PCL and halloysite clay to repair damaged hard tissue of the maxillofacial complex is satisfactory. Addition of halloysite nanoclay enhances the mechanical properties of the scaffold, which is favorable for implanting the scaffolds in the jaw. The in vitro studies allow us to examine the cell viability and proliferation of osteoblasts in the new composite scaffold.
Conclusions: These studies let us evaluate and quantify the suitability of the new scaffolds to not only regenerate the defected tissue, as a result of trauma or pathology, but to also withstand the magnitude of force as the jaw compresses in the process of mastication.