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Yaren INAL, Cem Bulent USTUNDAG, Mehmet Burcin PISKIN. Determination of the Mechanical Behavior of PCL Tissue Scaffolds Produced by Different 3D Printing Techniques; Proceedings of NanoBioMat 2025(2); 118-131
DETERMINATION OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF PCL TISSUE SCAFFOLDS PRODUCED BY DIFFERENT 3D PRINTING TECHNIQUES
Yaren INAL1*, Cem Bulent USTUNDAG1, Mehmet Burcin PISKIN1
1Department of Bioengineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, 34722, Turkey
*Correspondence: yareninal9@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary field of research that aims to functionally regenerate damaged or malfunctioning biological tissues. In this field, the production of biocompatible scaffolds that support cell adhesion, differentiation and tissue formation becomes crucial. In recent years, 3D bioprinting technologies have been extensively used in tissue engineering applications due to their ability to provide microstructural control and architectural accuracy. Among these techniques, Melt Electrowriting (MEW) and Electrospinning (ES) methods offer distinct properties in terms of fiber morphology, pore structure, and mechanical strength. In this study, scaffold structures based on polycaprolactone (PCL), a biodegradable polymer, were produced using the MEW and ES techniques and compared to evaluate the effect of the production method on biomaterial properties. The MEW method created, directional, high-resolution fiber networks through a thermomechanically controlled process involving heated polymer extrusion and electric fields. In contrast, the ES method fabricated porous structures composed of nanometer-diameter, randomly oriented fibers with high surface area, using an electrical force to draw polymer solution into fibers. The obtained samples were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), mechanical tests and in vitro cell viability assays to evaluate their biocompatibility. The comparisons revealed that MEW scaffolds exhibit a more rigid structure due to their regular fiber architecture and high elastic modulus values, while ES structures possess more flexible and biomimetic properties thanks to their high porosity and deformation capability. The comparative analysis revealed that MEW and ES methods offer potential for different tissue types and that the choice of production technique should be optimized according to the targeted biological function.
Keywords: Polycaprolactone (PCL), Tissue engineering, Scaffolds, Melt electrowriting, Electrospinning, Additive manufacturing