3D printed scaffolds composed of gelatin and β-tri-calcium phosphate (β-TCP) as a biomimetic bone material are fabricated, thereby providing an environment appropriate for bone regeneration. The Ca2+ in β-TCP and COO- in gelatin form a stable electrostatic interaction, and the composite scaffold shows suitable rheological properties for bioprinting. The gelatin/β-TCP scaffold is crosslinked with glutaraldehyde vapor and unreacted aldehyde groups which can cause toxicity to cells is removed by a glycine washing. The stable binding of the hydrogel is revealed as a result of FTIR and degradation rate. It is confirmed that the composite scaffold has compressive strength similar to that of cancellous bone and 60 wt% β-TCP groups containing 40 wt% gelatin have good cellular activity with preosteoblasts. Also, in the animal experiments, the gelatin/β-TCP scaffold confirms to induce bone formation without any inflammatory responses. This study suggests that these fabricated scaffolds can serve as a potential bone substitute for bone regeneration.
Keywords: 3D bioprinted; biomimetic; bone regeneration; gelatin; β-tri-calcium phosphate.
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