Free-Form Rapid Prototyped Porous PDMS Scaffolds Incorporating Growth Factors Promote Chondrogenesis

Abstract

In this study, we present a promising approach for the rapid development of porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) scaffold prototypes, with outer geometry defined from the design stage, according to the form of conventional implants or adapted to patients’ biostructures. The manufacture method is based on phase separation processes using materials obtained by casting within additive rapid prototyped molds. We include a comparative study of PDMS sponges obtained by different simple processes. Final in vitro assessment is carried out using hMSCs (bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells), cultured onto porous PDMS scaffolds functionalized with aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) and equilibrated with a trophic factors medium produced by the cells. Results show that porous PDMS scaffold prototypes are excellent 3D platforms for hMSCs adhesion. Furthermore, this PDMS-3D niche, seeded with hMSCs and chondrogenic incubation medium during three weeks, showed a successful chondrogenesis determined by collagen type II expression. Thus, results show a versatile method to produce a 3D niche to address questions about cartilage and endochondral bone formation or skeleton tissues clinical approaches.