| Abstract Scope |
Direct ink writing (DIW) is a versatile 3D printing technique ideal for tissue engineering, capable of printing a variety of materials with well-engineered rheological properties. DIW can address issues such as bone and tooth fractures, requiring biocompatible materials to avoid rejection and secondary surgeries. Traditionally, calcium-rich materials have been used, but they can be toxic. This study presents a bioderived ink made from calcium nanoparticles extracted from waste animal bones, mixed with biocompatible binders. The ink is used to print scaffolds with controlled porosity, promoting cell growth. The DIW-printed parts exhibit improved mechanical properties and biocompatibility, essential for grafting applications. Degradation tests and MTT assays confirm the biocompatibility of the materials. Additionally, discrete element modeling and computational fluid dynamics are employed using Rocky and Ansys software. This work demonstrates that biowaste materials, if well-engineered, can provide a sustainable source of raw materials for advanced orthopedic grafting applications. |