This study aimed to assess the response of 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds biomimetically coated with apatite on human primary osteoblast (HOb) spheroids and evaluate the biological response to its association with Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (rhBMP-2) in rat calvaria. PLA scaffolds were produced via 3D printing, soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution to promote apatite deposition, and characterized by physical-chemical, morphological, and mechanical properties. PLA-CaP scaffolds with interconnected porous and mechanical properties suitable for bone repairing were produced with reproducibility. The in vitro biological response was assessed with human primary osteoblast spheroids. Increased cell adhesion and the rise of in vitro release of growth factors (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) was observed for PLA-CaP scaffolds, when pre-treated with fetal bovine serum (FBS). This pre-treatment with FBS was done in a way to enhance the adsorption of serum proteins, increasing the number of bioactive sites on the surface of scaffolds, and to partially mimic in vivo interactions. The in vivo analysis was conducted through the implantation of 3D printed PLA scaffolds either alone, coated with apatite (PLA-CaP) or PLA-CaP loaded with rhBMP-2 on critical-sized defects (8 mm) of rat calvaria. PLA-CaP+rhBMP2 presented higher values of newly formed bone (NFB) than other groups at all in vivo experimental periods (p < 0.05), attaining 44.85% of NFB after six months. These findings indicated two new potential candidates as alternatives to autogenous bone grafts for long-term treatment: (i) 3D-printed PLA-CaP scaffold associated with spheroids, since it can reduce the time of repair in situ by expression of biomolecules and growth factors; and (ii) 3D-printed PLA-CaP functionalized rhBMP2 scaffold, a biocompatible, bioactive biomaterial, with osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity.

This study aimed to assess the response of 3D printed PLA scaffolds biomimetically coated with apatite on human primary osteoblast spheroids and evaluate the biological response to its association with Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (rhBMP-2) in rat calvaria. PLA scaffolds were produced via 3D printing, soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution, and characterized by physical-chemical, morphological, and mechanical properties. The in vitro biological response was assessed with human primary osteoblast (HOb) spheroids. The in vivo analysis was conducted through the implantation of 3D printed PLA scaffolds either alone, covered by apatite (PLA-CaP) or PLA-CaP loaded with rhBMP-2 (PLA-CaP+rhBMP-2) on critical-sized defects (8 mm) of rat calvaria. Increased cell adhesion and in vitro release of growth factors (PDGF, bFGF, VEGF) was observed for PLA-CaP scaffolds when pre-treated with FBS. PLA-CaP+BMP2 presented higher values of newly formed bone (NFB) than other groups at all experimental periods (p<0.05), attaining 44.85% of NFB after 6 months. These findings indicate that functionalization of PLA scaffolds with biomimetic apatite can improve its biological properties in the presence of complex biological media. Its association with BMP2 may enhance bone repair, suggesting this strategy as a promising candidate for bone tissue engineering.

Biodegradable food packaging comprises plastic materials that decompose in the appropriate environment (e.g., moisture and temperature). It could represent a solution for micro- and macroplastic generation. This paper is the first to evaluate the addition of oat oil (OO) to PLA for use as a food packaging material. Samples were evaluated by FTIR, SEM, XRD, Raman, texture and degradation tests. The PLA crystallites and the porosity of the samples increased with increasing oat oil content, while strength decreased (0.14MPa). Regarding degradation, oat oil in the samples facilitated it. Samples with the same composition degraded more in soil (15 weeks) than in seawater (25 weeks). After degradation, the PLA-OO samples were porous, facilitating the entry of fluids and the adhesion of microorganisms. PLA matrix degradation in soil begins with hydrolysis, followed by aerobic microorganisms’ degradation. The highest biodegradation occurred in the PLA-1500 sample in soil, suggesting the potential to achieve biodegradability/compostability.