Journal
POLYMERS
Volume 13, Issue 18, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/polym13183087
Keywords
thermoplastic polyurethane; polylactic acid; trachea scaffold; 3D filament
Categories
Funding
- Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia [PRGS/1/2021/SKK07/USM/02/1]
- Nippon Sheet Glass Foundation for Materials Science and Engineering [304/CIPPT/650932]
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This study evaluated the mechanical and in vitro properties of a TPU and PLA blend as a potential material for 3D printed tracheal scaffolds. Despite being not miscible, TPU and PLA are biocompatible and have promising properties for future applications in tracheal tissue engineering.
Surgical reconstruction of extensive tracheal lesions is challenging. It requires a mechanically stable, biocompatible, and nontoxic material that gradually degrades. One of the possible solutions for overcoming the limitations of tracheal transplantation is a three-dimensional (3D) printed tracheal scaffold made of polymers. Polymer blending is one of the methods used to produce material for a trachea scaffold with tailored characteristics. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the mechanical and in vitro properties of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polylactic acid (PLA) blend as a potential material for 3D printed tracheal scaffolds. Both materials were melt-blended using a single screw extruder. The morphologies (as well as the mechanical and thermal characteristics) were determined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, tensile test, and Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC). The samples were also evaluated for their water absorption, in vitro biodegradability, and biocompatibility. It is demonstrated that, despite being not miscible, TPU and PLA are biocompatible, and their promising properties are suitable for future applications in tracheal tissue engineering.
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