Biosynthetic materials to mimic the musculoskeletal environment

Abstract

Gaps in the current capabilities of Tissue Engineering approaches to treat musculoskeletal conditions has driven research into biosynthetic materials for use in scaffolds. The natural ECM polymers used in these have beneficial surface chemistry for the adhesion and proliferation of cells, but lack in mechanical integrity and stability. Synthetic polymers PCL and PHBV, selected for their biocompatibility and degradation properties, are examined as base materials for the fabrication of biosynthetic scaffolds with Collagen. This study aims to develop new biosynthetic materials, design synthetic techniques, characterize the materials, and evaluate the fabrication techniques through which the materials are processed. Based on existing work in 3D printed and fiber polymer scaffolds we ask: can the viability of these scaffolds be enhanced by the incorporation of natural ECM proteins? The optimized synthesis of biosynthetic materials and their scaffold fabrication process strategies are outlined in the thesis, and their viability assessed through physicochemical, mechanical, and biological characterization. Optimised fabrication pathways to the creation of collagen functionalized scaffolds of PCL, PHBV, and PCL / PHBV through Fused Filament Fabrication and Forcespinning are detailed. The results of characterizing these scaffolds found that different manufacturing routes prove suitable for different tissue engineering applications, FFF printed robust flexible log pile structures to articular cartilage, force spun fragile high surface area fibers to dermal regeneration. In both instances collagen functionalization increased favourable cellular behaviour on the scaffolds.