Desenvolvimento de scaffolds por impressão 3d de poli(L-co-D,L-ácido láctico) com citrato de trietila para potencial aplicação em prótese de menisco

Abstract

The meniscus is a fibrocartilaginous structure essential for knee stability. Meniscal lesions are highly prevalent and may result from acute trauma or degenerative processes. Despite advances in therapeutic approaches, high failure rates frequently lead to chronic pain and impaired mobility. In this context, tissue engineering emerges as a promising alternative, based on the use of biomaterials capable of mimicking the natural microenvironment of the meniscus. Among the polymers employed, poly(L-co-D,L-lactic acid) (PLDLA) stands out due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. The incorporation of the plasticizer triethyl citrate (TEC) into PLDLA is proposed as a strategy to optimize 3D printing processing and enhance cell adhesion. Associated with these properties, 3D printing has become a key technology, as it enables the fabrication of personalized implants tailored to the implantation site and individual anatomical variations. The present study aimed to develop PLDLA scaffolds containing different concentrations of TEC (1% and 2%). Computational models were designed, and the scaffolds were fabricated via 3D printing. The samples were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), zeta potential, contact angle, and compressive mechanical testing. The hydrolytic degradation of the scaffolds was evaluated through mass variation, molar mass, TGA, DSC, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Biological evaluation included cytocompatibility assessment using the MTT assay with the L929 cell line. The results confirmed the incorporation of TEC into PLDLA, as evidenced by FTIR, DSC, and TGA analyses, without significant changes in the thermal behavior of the polymer. A slight modification in surface charge was observed with TEC addition, making it more negative while maintaining its hydrophilic character. The incorporation of the plasticizer reduced scaffold stiffness, imparting greater flexibility to the material. However, PLDLA/TEC scaffolds exhibited mitochondrial activity after 72 hours of cell culture. Overall, the results indicate that the incorporation of TEC into PLDLA is a promising strategy in regenerative medicine, contributing to the development of PLDLA/TEC-based three-dimensional devices with potential application as meniscal prostheses