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Talks and Poster Presentations (without Proceedings-Entry):

S. Baudis, S. Orman, A. Mautner, M. Schwentenwein, G. Russmüller, J. Stampfl, R. Liska:
"Biocompatible, tough photopolymers as 3D printed constructs for bone regeneration";
Poster: 1st TERMIS-EU WORKSHOP in collaboration with ISBF "3D Printing in Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering", Poland, Warsaw; 03-22-2018 - 03-23-2018.



English abstract:
Introduction:
The ability to manufacture biocompatible patient-specific materials through lithography-based Additive Manufacturing Technologies (AMTs) offers great possibilities for regenerative medicine. State of the art materials for these processes, e.g., poly(meth)acrylates, have to be replaced with alternative materials in order to meet the high requirements concerning biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Vinyl esters were found to be an ideal material platform after the initials drawbacks, e.g., the low reactivity and brittleness were overcome by thiol-ene chemistry.
Experimental:
Novel low toxic monomers were synthesized using commercial divinyl adipate (DVA) through lipase-catalyzed transesterification reactions. This way, several functional groups, e.g., urethanes and cyclic structures, were introduced. Furthermore, different multifunctional thiols were used to improve reactivity and optimize network structure. The properties of the related photopolymers were analyzed by photorheology, mechanical test (tensile and impact tests), and accelerated degradation experiments. Optimized formulations were processed to highly porous structures with defined geometry using lithography-based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) - a method based on digital light processing based stereolithography. 3D printed constructs were tested in in vivo studies in femoral model defects of New Zealand white rabbits.
Results and discussion:
The modifications resulted in new multifunctional vinyl esters with low cytotoxicity that crosslink to photopolymers with improved impact resistance and desired degradation characteristics. Using LCM as advanced 3D printing technique it is possible to manufacture constructs with defined inner (porosity) and outer structure. Preliminary in vivo studies with such constructs over 12 weeks showed no inflammation reaction, signs of biodegradation and good vascularization.
Conclusion:
This technology platform enables us to manufacture precise and highly complex, customized scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.

Keywords:
lithography-based Additive Manufacturing Technologies, regenerative medicine, alternative materials in order to meet the high requirements concerning biocompatibility and mechanical properties

Created from the Publication Database of the Vienna University of Technology.