3D-printed scaffolds for the cultivation of mesenchymal stem cells

Tissue engineering is a tool which is currently under a great deal of investigation for the development and/or restoration of tissue and organs; it combines cell therapy and biomaterials for this aim. Rapid prototyping is a versatile technology which constructs polymer based-scaffolds with strict control of its architecture. The aim of this work, therefore, has been to investigate the interaction between mesenchymal stem cells with the biomaterials obtained by rapid prototyping. Scanning electron microscopy, confocal microscopy and biological assays were performed to analyze this interaction. As results, the number of viable cells attached to the scaffolds was lower when compared to the control group; however, it was possible to observe cells in the scaffolds since day 1 of analysis, with regions of confluence after 21 days of seeding. It could be concluded, therefore, that these biomaterials are interesting for use as a medical device, principally in tissue with prolonged regeneration time and which require good mechanical properties.