3-D printed porous cellulose acetate tissue scaffolds for additive manufacturing

We have printed microscale 3-dimensional tissue scaffolds using cellulose acetate (CA) for the first time and produced a range of pore sizes ranging from 99 to 608 μm that are potentially favorable for tissue engineering. In the process we have elucidated some of the formulation-fabrication-morphology relationships which enabled advancements in ink development, optimization of fabrication parameters, and morphological control. The challenges for printing very small pores were discussed and improved by adjustment of printing conditions and use of a rheological modifier. We believe this study will increase the knowledge base for additive manufacturing of CA and enable further research into the use of 3D-printed CA for tissue engineering applications. Also, our findings on printing optimization may provide some practical principles and methodologies that are applicable for the ink development using other biomaterials.