3D Printing of Cell Culture Devices

Assessment and Prevention of the Cytotoxicity of Photopolymers for Stereolithography

authored by: Sebastian Kreß, Roland Schaller-Ammann, Jürgen Feiel, Joachim Priedl, Cornelia Kasper, Dominik Egger
Abstract: 3D printing is increasingly important for the rapid prototyping of advanced and tailor-made cell culture devices. In this context, stereolithography represents a method for the rapid generation of prototypes from photocurable polymers. However, the biocompatibility of commercially available photopolymers is largely unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of six polymers, two of them certified as biocompatible according to ISO 10993-5:2009, and we evaluated, if coating with Parylene, an inert polymer widely used in medical applications, might shield cells from the cytotoxic effects of a toxic polymer. In addition, we evaluated the processability, reliability, and consistency of the details printed. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were used for cytotoxicity testing as they are widely used and promising for numerous applications in regenerative medicine. MSCs were incubated together with printed photopolymers, and the cytotoxicity was assessed. All photopolymers significantly reduced the viability of MSCs while the officially biocompatible resins displayed minor toxic effects. Further, coating with Parylene completely protected MSCs from toxic effects. In conclusion, none of the tested polymers can be fully recommended for rapid prototyping of cell culture devices. However, coating with Parylene can shield cells from toxic effects and thus might represent a viable option until more compatible materials are available.
External Organisation(s): University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU)
Joanneum Research
Type: Article
Journal: MATERIALS
Volume: 13
No. of pages: 10
ISSN: 1996-1944
Publication date: 06.07.2020
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: General Materials Science, Condensed Matter Physics
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13133011 (Access: Open)