Towards 4D printed scaffolds for tissue engineering: exploiting 3D shape memory polymers to deliver time-controlled stimulus on cultured cells

Wilhelmus J. Hendrikson, Jeroen Rouwkema, Federico Clementi, Clemens A. van Blitterswijk, Silvia Fare, Lorenzo Moroni*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Tissue engineering needs innovative solutions to better fit the requirements of a minimally invasive approach, providing at the same time instructive cues to cells. The use of shape memory polyurethane has been investigated by producing 4D scaffolds via additive manufacturing technology. Scaffolds with two different pore network configurations (0/90 degrees and 0/45 degrees) were characterized by dynamic-mechanical analysis. The thermo-mechanical analysis showed a T-g at about 32 degrees C (T-g = T-trans), indicating no influence of the fabrication process on the transition temperature. In addition, shape recovery tests showed a good recovery of the permanent shape for both scaffold configurations. When cells were seeded onto the scaffolds in the temporary shape and the permanent shape was recovered, cells were significantly more elongated after shape recovery. Thus, the mechanical stimulus imparted by shape recovery is able to influence the shape of cells and nuclei. The obtained results indicate that a single mechanical stimulus is sufficient to initiate changes in the morphology of adherent cells.

Original languageEnglish
Article number031001
Number of pages7
JournalBiofabrication
Volume9
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2017

Keywords

  • shape memory polymers
  • 4D
  • additive manufacturing
  • polyurethane
  • BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS
  • POLYURETHANE FOAMS
  • STEM-CELLS
  • PLASMA
  • BONE

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