This PhD project aims to produce porous 3D-printed PAEK scaffolds with enhanced bioactivity. Both PEEK and PEKK will be studied, with various strategies to optimize cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. Key research steps of the PhD project include:
- Chemical functionalization: Sulfonation introduces hydrophilic sulfonic acid groups onto the polymer surface or bulk using sulfuric acid H2SO4.
- Coating strategies: In France, polydopamine will serve as an anchor for depositing hydroxyapatite, (biomineralized) collagen crosslinked or not. During the 6-month internship in Brazil, 3 types of coatings will be produced by Solution Blow Spinning (SBS): (I) polycaprolactone (PCL)/hydroxyapatite (HA) monolithic fibers, (II) polycaprolactone (PCL)-collagen/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) core-shell fibers; (III) PCL/HA-collagen/PVA core-shell fibers.
- Porosity enhancement: Micro/nanostructured topography is achieved through Material Extrusion (MEX) Additive Manufacturing (AM), combining 3D printing with H2SO4 surface treatments.
- Biological assessments: Human stem cells (in collaboration with Pierre Layrolle: INSERM, UMR 1214, ToNIC, Toulouse) will be used to assess biocompatibility, cell attachment, proliferation, osteoblasts and osteoclasts differentiation, promotion of mineralization as well as inflammatory responses and healing processes in general, using standardized “in vitro” preclinical tests.
Publié le 06/04/2025
