LAUSR

Bone tissue is usually damaged after big traumas, tumours and increasing aging-related diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Current treatments are based on implanting grafts which are shown to have several inconveniences. In this regard, tissue engineering through the 3D bioprinting technique has arisen to manufacture structures that would be a feasible therapeutic option for bone regenerative medicine. In this study, nanocellulose-alginate (NC-Alg) based bioink was improved by adding two different inorganic components such as hydroxyapatite (HAP) and graphene oxide (GO). First, ink rheological properties and biocompatibility were evaluated as well as the influence of the sterilisation process on them. Then, scaffolds were characterized. Finally, biological studies of embedded murine D1 mesenchymal stem cells engineered to secrete erythropoietin (D1-MSCs-EPO) were performed. Results showed that the addition of both HAP or GO prevented NC-Alg ink from viscosity lost in the sterilisation process. However, GO was reduced due to short cycle autoclave sterilisation, making it incompatible with this ink. In addition, HAP and GO had different influences on scaffold architecture and surface as well as in swelling capacity. Scaffolds mechanics, as well as cell viability and functionality, were promoted by both elements addition. Additionally, GO demonstrated an enhanced bone differentiation capacity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.