PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATION

2025

Decoupling Bioactivity and Processability: RGD Click-Functionalized Coatings for a 3D-Printed PCL Scaffold

Salsano G, Sardo C, et al.

Biomacromolecules

University of Salerno, IPCB-CNR

RESEARCH SUMMARY

This study presents a modular surface functionalization method for 3D-printed poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds using a clickable PCL derivative functionalized with maleimide groups (PCL-AE-L). The coating enables thiol–maleimide Michael addition with bioactive RGD peptides, improving cell adhesion and mineralization without altering bulk printability or mechanics. The PCL@RGD scaffolds exhibited enhanced wettability (contact angle reduced to 34°), increased surface roughness (Ra ≈ 46 µm), and supported greater SAOS-2 osteoblast adhesion and calcium deposition compared to unmodified scaffolds. This method decouples bioactivity enhancement from printing parameters, offering a tunable, post-processing strategy for bone tissue engineering.

Compression tests were performed on 3D-printed scaffolds using a CellScale UniVert 1 kN mechanical tester (200 N load cell, Waterloo, ON, Canada) to evaluate the influence of coating and peptide conjugation on mechanical properties. Cylindrical PCL and PCL@MAL scaffolds were compressed perpendicular to their surface up to 15% strain in 60 s. The Young’s modulus was calculated from the linear region of the stress–strain curve, yielding ~3.5 MPa for PCL and ~2.3 MPa for PCL@MAL, showing that the coating and RGD bioconjugation did not significantly affect mechanical integrity.

AUTHORS

Giulia Salsano; Carla Sardo; Angiola Guidone; Pierpaolo Coppola; Marina Sala; Maria Carmina Scala; Alessandra Soriente; Maria Grazia Raucci; Rita Patrizia Aquino; Giulia Auriemma.

PUBLICATION DETAILS

JOURNAL

Biomacromolecules

YEAR

2025

INSTITUTIONS

University of Salerno, IPCB-CNR

COUNTRIES

Italy

INSTRUMENT USED

UniVert

TESTING METHODS

Compression Testing

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

3D Bioprinting & Bioink Materials TestingBone Tissue Engineering & MechanicsScaffold Mechanical Testing

Related Publications:

Instrument Used:

Year:

Testing Method:

Research Application:

Country:

Effect of Sulfated Polysaccharides and Laponite in Composite Porous Scaffolds on Osteogenesis

Karamesouti A, Chatzinikolaidou M

Biomolecules

UniVert

Compression TestingHydrated and Temperature Controlled Testing

Bone Tissue Engineering & MechanicsHydrogel Mechanical TestingScaffold Mechanical Testing

2026

Harnessing Chain Mobility via Protonation for Tough and Isotropic Hydrogel

Shi P, Si M, et al.

Advanced Materials

UniVert

Fatigue TestingHydrated and Temperature Controlled TestingTensile Testing

Hydrogel Mechanical TestingPolymers and Elastomers TestingSoft Robotics Materials

2026

Enhancing Biocompatibility and Biophysical Properties of Three-Dimensional Collagen Scaffolds Using Nonthermal Plasma Treatment

Sulaiman N, Abdulla M, et al.

ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering

UniVert

Compression Testing

Bone Tissue Engineering & MechanicsECM & Decellularized Matrix MechanicsInjectable & Regenerative BiomaterialsScaffold Mechanical Testing

2026