Starch-Based scaffold produced by FDM 3D printing technique as Innovative and biosustainable wound dressing.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to produce high-starch thermoplastic filaments for scaffold production via 3D printing and evaluate their mechanical properties and biological effects.
Results Summary
The scaffolds demonstrated good hydration (35% in 7 days), safety on keratinocytes (viability >70%), stimulation of keratinocyte growth, and inhibition of S. pyogenes growth. Mechanical properties were improved with additives like PCL or MSM.
Population
In vitro studies (keratinocytes and bacterial cultures).
Effective Dosage
70% w/w starch, 30% w/w glycerol, with additives (cationic clay montmorillonite, citric acid, magnesium stearate, PCL, or MSM).
Duration
7 days (hydration assessment).
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
starch-based thermoplastic filaments (TPS) with high starch content | neutral | scaffolds production by Fusion Deposition Modelling 3D printing technique | - | - | useful for | #1 |
addition of cationic clay montmorillonite, citric acid and magnesium stearate to TPS blend | increase | strength and processability | - | - | to improve | #2 |
the prepared scaffold | increase | simulated exudates | in vitro | reaching a hydration of 35% in 7 days | able to absorb | #3 |
the scaffolds | no change | keratinocytes viability | in vitro | > 70% | safe on | #4 |
the scaffolds | increase | keratinocytes growth | in vitro | - | stimulating | #5 |
the scaffolds | decrease | S. pyogenes growth | in vitro | - | able to inhibit | #6 |
Starch is a safe biopolymer, whose use for the production of scaffolds intended for deep wounds treatment is limited, due to its low mechanical and thermal properties. For this reason, until now, it has been used in low amounts and/or in combination with other biopolymers. The aim of the study was to produce thermoplastic filaments (TPS) with high starch content, useful for scaffolds production by Fusion Deposition Modelling 3D printing technique. TPS was obtained by hot melt extrusion from a mixture of starch (70 % w/w) and glycerol (30 % w/w) combined to cationic clay montmorillonite, citric acid and magnesium stearate to improve strength and processability. The prepared scaffold was characterized and compared to other two scaffolds, where the effect of the addition of polycaprolactone (PCL) or methylsulphonylmethane (MSM) (as thermostable model drug) to the blend was evaluated. The mechanical properties were investigated by Brillouin Light Scattering. In vitro studies highlighted that the scaffolds are: i) able to absorb simulated exudates (reaching a hydration of 35 % in 7 days); ii) safe on keratinocytes (viability > 70 %) stimulating their growth; iii) able to inhibit S. pyogenes growth.