Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Coating on 3D Printed PEGDA/TCP Scaffold with Improved Cell Proliferation

Bioactive coating of ceramic scaffolds is an effective way to ameliorate osseointegration and attenuate implant-induced inflammatory responses, which should be biocompatible and possess suitable mechanical properties to regulate cell adhesion and migration. In this study, a poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate/tricalcium phosphate (PEGDA/TCP) ceramic scaffold was prepared using SLA-3D printing, and its compressive strength was 8.9 ± 1.0 MPa. Chitosan (Chi) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) were assembled on the surface of the PEGDA/TCP scaffolds and crosslinked with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) -carbodiimide/ N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS). Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and laser scanning microscope were used to evaluate the surface modification of the PEGDA/TCP scaffolds. Cellular tests showed that polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) promoted cell adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts relative to unmodified scaffolds. Furthermore, it can be demonstrated that the SLA-3D printed TCP scaffolds could meet the compressive requirements of trabecular bones, and the bioactivity of the bone scaffolds could be effectively improved by combining them with Chi/CS PEM.