A hybrid platform for three-dimensional printing of bone scaffold by combining thermal-extrusion and electrospinning methods

The aim of this study is to develop a hybrid 3D printing platform integrating thermal-extrusion and electrospinning methods to fabricate bone scaffolds. The scaffolds made by mPEG–PCL–mPEG/HA biocomposite and their surface were enhanced by adding an electrospun fibre layer which improved adhesion and viability of osteoblastic cells. The scaffolds were evaluated by mechanical testing; biochemical analyses, SEM observation and their capabilities for supporting growth and adhesion of osteoblastic cells were also assessed in vitro. The 3D printing platform can manufacture the controllable and complicated shapes of bone scaffolds by controlling the thermal-extrusion and electrospinning equipment. It also can control the pore size, porosity and pore interconnectivity, and stack the scaffold structure by using different materials and different ways. Analyses showed that the bone scaffolds have a good mechanical strength and the scaffolds are suitable to support growth of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells; and the electrospun fibres may increase the surface area of the fabricated scaffolds for the future application in modulating osteoblast response. Thus, it is feasible to produce bone tissue engineering scaffolds integrating thermal-extrusion and electrospinning techniques using our 3D printing platform.