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4D Printing of βTCP-Modified Shape Memory Polymers for Bone Scaffolds in Osteochondral Regeneration

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Submitted:

02 December 2024

Posted:

03 December 2024

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Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) modification on the structural, mechanical, thermal, and functional properties of a shape-memory terpolymer, with a focus on its potential application in 4D printing technology and medical implant production. The integration of β-TCP into the filament matrix and scaffolds was confirmed through microscopic (SEM, stereoscopic) and spectroscopic (FTIR, EDS) analyses. FTIR spectra indicated successful incorporation of β-TCP into the polymer. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed a shift toward a more amorphous structure following β-TCP modification, improving processing properties, particularly for 3D printing. Thermal stability was enhanced, as β-TCP delayed depolymerization of the polymer matrix. Shape-memory studies demonstrated effective recovery in both modified and unmodified samples, although β-TCP slightly reduced recovery performance. In vitro cell culture studies showed that β-TCP-modified terpolymer significantly increased cell viability and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity after 3 weeks. The β-TCP-modified terpolymer can be tailored for applications where partial shape recovery is acceptable, such as bone scaffolds or implants designed to promote osteointegration.
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Subject: Chemistry and Materials Science  -   Biomaterials
Copyright: This open access article is published under a Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, which permit the free download, distribution, and reuse, provided that the author and preprint are cited in any reuse.
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