Harnessing Melt Electrowriting for Tissue Engineering: Enhancing Scaffold Design and Functionality

Injuries leading to critical-size defects pose significant challenges in tissue repair, necessitating advanced solutions. This thesis addresses the knowledge gap in creating bio-instructive scaffolds for tissue engineering by advancing the precision and versatility of scaffolds obtained with Melt Electrowriting (MEW), a cutting-edge 3D printing technique. The work enhances understanding of scaffold design, fabrication, and functionality through innovative approaches. Key accomplishments include developing a Finite Element Analysis model to predict scaffold mechanical properties and demonstrating how printing parameters impact fiber crystallinity and mechanical performance. The fabrication of gradient scaffolds and integration of complex designs with smooth transitions, enabled tailored deformation patterns that replicate natural tissue behavior, influencing cellular alignment and protein expression under dynamic stimulation. Incorporating poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) particles into polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds further enhanced functionality by improving mechanical stability and introducing drug delivery capabilities. These innovations expand the knowledge of MEW processes and offer scalable, customizable solutions for diverse tissue engineering applications. The presented multidisciplinary research bridges material science, engineering, and biology, advancing our ability to effectively address tissue engineering problems . By exploring advanced scaffold designs and improving fabrication techniques, the findings provide a foundation for future developments, such as adaptable materials and more precise replication of natural tissue environments. These achievements mark a significant step forward in regenerative medicine, offering versatile solutions for repairing complex tissue injuries and paving the way for improved treatment options in tissue repair and regeneration.