DOI: 10.18150/em62pw
title: Characterization and evaluation of β-Tricalcium phosphate-modified shape memory polymers for 4D printing applications in osteochondral regeneration

description: Files include the data presented in the manuscript entitled " Four-Dimensional Printing of β-Tricalcium Phosphate-Modified Shape Memory Polymers for Bone Scaffolds in Osteochondral Regeneration " by I.Rajzer et al.( Materials, 2025, 18(2), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020306).The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) modification on the structural, mechanical, thermal, and functional properties of a shape memory terpolymer, with a focus on its potential application in 4D printing technology and medical implant production. The integration of β-TCP into the filament matrix and scaffolds was confirmed through microscopic (SEM, stereoscopic) and spectroscopic (FTIR, EDS) analyses. The FTIR spectra indicated the successful incorporation of β-TCP into the polymer. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed changes in thermal transitions, suggesting improved processing properties, particularly for 3D printing, due to β-TCP modification. The thermal stability was enhanced as β-TCP delayed the polymer matrix depolymerization. The shape memory studies demonstrated effective recovery in both the modified and unmodified samples, although β-TCP slightly reduced the recovery performance. The in vitro cell culture studies showed that the β-TCP-modified terpolymer significantly increased the cell viability values and the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity after 3 weeks. The β-TCP-modified terpolymer can be tailored for applications where partial shape recovery is acceptable, such as bone scaffolds or implants designed to promote osteointegration.The integration of “time” as the fourth dimension in 4D printing introduces dynamic functionality, enabling intricate structures with customizable forms for advanced tissue engineering applications. Current shape transformations in 4D printing remain basic, requiring improved spatiotemporal control, enhanced mechanical robustness, and optimized stimuli-responsive materials.Data (.CSV and XLSX) includes:Fig. 4a. ATR-FTIR analysis of polymer blends• ATR-FTIR spectra of β-TCP powder• ATR-FTIR spectra of pure terpolymer blend• ATR-FTIR spectra of terpolymer blend modified with β-TCP powderFig. 4b. ATR-FTIR analysis of polymer scaffolds• ATR-FTIR spectra of pure terpolymer scaffold• ATR-FTIR spectra of terpolymer scaffold modified with β-TCP powderTable 1. Parameters of the injection molding process for filament sticks and samples for mechanical testing (dog bone shape).Table 2. Mechanical properties of pure terpolymer and longitudinal wave velocity determined from ultrasonic testing.Fig14_change of shape over time_TER_BTCP_5BL_data.xlsx - Change of shape over time for sample: terpolymer blend modified with β-TCP powderFig14_change of shape over time_TER_GRAN_BL_data.xlsx Change of shape over time for sample: pure terpolymer blend.Fig14_recovery degree of samples_TER_BTCP_5BL_data.xlsx Percent recovery degree of terpolymer blend modified with β-TCP samples.Fig14_recovery degree of samples_TER_GRAN_BL_data.xlsx. Percent recovery degree of pure terpolymer blend samples.