Bioprinting Hard Tissues using PCL (Polycaprolactone)

Overview

PCL (polycaprolactone) is a thermoplastic polymer that offers enhanced control over mechanical properties of final 3D structures. It is specifically developed and optimized for bioprinting of 3D structures. PCL may be used on its own or printed with matrix bioinks such as gelatin methacrylate. Follow this protocol for bioprinting hard tissues using PCL.

The recommended preparation provided in the instructions below yields a streamlined printable biomaterial that creates reproducible 3D printed constructs. However, preparation can be modified by users to suit their needs.

Materials

• PCL
• Metal needle
• Metal Syringe (5 mL or 10 mL)
• Petri dish or well plate for printing

Methods for Bioprinting Hard Tissues using PCL

1. Load PCL into metal syringe;
2. Screw the metal tip on the syringe;
   • Note: we suggest using a 27G for best resolution or a 19G for fastest printing.
3. Set your Allevi CORE™ extruder temperature to 100˚C;
4. Load your syringe into the extruder;
5. Wait for approximately 20 min until the PCL melts before starting to print.

Print Settings: PCL Protocol

Speed (mm/s)	Layer height (mm)	Nozzle Diam (mm)	Gauge
1.0	0.1	0.1	30

Pressure (psi)	Crosslink (sec)	Print Temp (°C)
100	0	100

Note: different gauges require different pressure and yield different resolutions.

We hope you found this protocol helpful for bioprinting hard tissues using PCL! Click here for more bioprinting protocols.