Fast universal production technology of multifunctional bio-scaffolds RAPIDSCAFF

The RAPIDSCAF project relates to the TOPIC: Biological scaffolds for tissue regeneration and repair (RIA) (identifier: NMBP-21-2020), refer to the Call topic domain “Implementation of innovative manufacturing technologies (e.g. 3D printing) for affordable fabrication of patient-specific scaffolds planned in respect of the foregoing.” Techniques of the fabrication of 3D scaffolds are subdivided into a conventional and rapid prototyping. Conventional techniques of scaffold fabrication include the construction of porous polymer structures, but it is difficult to obtain complex structures with tunable microscale and macroscale using these methods. Rapid prototyping is related to CAD/CAM techniques and 3D printing. These methods provide with much better resolution and precision, yet have numerous problems for application in real life. One of the technologies of rapid prototyping suitable for scaffold production is photopolymerisation using ultra-short pulse lasers. This technology is superior in resolution, precision and versatility which may be achieved. More, it allows required macro to micro scale manufacturing, such as production of larger size scaffold with surface modification in micro/nano scale. Therefore it may enable not only better osteoblast attachment for bone mimicking scaffolds, but also provide required functional properties for stem cells or medical additives induction and at the same time enable true personalisation of the scaffold with reference to unique patient. Another important advantage of this technology is freedom of production (not regular 3D printing layer by layer) and possibility to merge different materials in one scaffold. Polymers themselves are good material for scaffolds because their chemical properties can be modified by introducing various chemical moieties that produce derivatives possessing enhanced adhesion, crosslinking, and biodegradability properties.