H21 - Hybrid 3D Printing and Electrospinning Platform for Multi-Layered Biomimetic Scaffolds

Introduction: : The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a critical Tissue engineering aims to create biomimetic scaffolds that replicate the structural and functional properties of native tissues to support cell growth and regeneration. A critical challenge in this field is fabricating complex, hierarchical scaffolds that integrate micro- and nanoscale features to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM). Traditional methods often fall short in achieving the level of precision and structural complexity required for effective tissue engineering applications (Hynes, 2009). Electrospinning has emerged as a powerful technique for producing nanofibrous scaffolds with ECM-like characteristics. These nanofibers offer high surface area, tunable porosity, and excellent biomimicry, promoting cell attachment and proliferation (Li & Xia, 2004). However, while electrospinning excels at creating nanoscale features, it lacks the ability to produce 3D structures with defined geometries, limiting its use for creating macroscale tissue constructs. To address this limitation, we have developed a novel 3D printing platform that integrates electrospinning with additive
manufacturing. This hybrid system alternates between printing layers of biomaterial and depositing electrospun nanofibers, enabling the fabrication of multi-layered scaffolds with tailored structural and mechanical properties. The combination of these two technologies allows for the precise design of scaffolds that mimic both the micro- and nanoscale architecture of native tissues, offering significant potential for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (Mota et al., 2015).

Materials and

Methods: : An off-the-shelf Neptune 3 Max 3D printer (Elegoo) was used as the base system for the fabrication of scaffolds. To achieve the desired functionality, the printer was extensively modified by integrating an air compressor and a high-voltage power supply. The air compressor was added to enable precise control of material extrusion and ensure consistent deposition of the biomaterial layers. The high-voltage power supply was incorporated to facilitate the electrospinning process, enabling the deposition of nanofibers directly onto the printed layers. These modifications allowed the system to alternately print biomaterial layers and electrospin nanofibers, creating a multi-layered scaffold with enhanced structural and functional properties.

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions:: In this study, we successfully developed a hybrid 3D printing and electrospinning system by modifying a Neptune 3 Max Elegoo printer with an air compressor and a high-voltage power supply. This innovative platform allowed us to fabricate multi-layered scaffolds with alternating biomaterial layers and nanofiber coatings, mimicking the hierarchical structure of the extracellular matrix.

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