۳D printing a PLA-HA biocomposite scaffold

Scaffolds are three-dimensional, predominantly porous structures designed to promote the growth of new tissue. The objective of this study was to design and synthesize a polylactic acid (PLA) composite scaffold containing ۱۰% hydroxyapatite (HA) and subsequently ۳D print this scaffold at a ۹۰-degree angle for tissue engineering applications. To achieve this, composite fabrication was initially conducted. Scaffolds with a porosity of ۷۰% by volume were then prepared from the composites using melt-casting techniques with a ۳D printer. Following this, various analyses were performed, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) for elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging to examine surface morphology, compressive strength testing to assess mechanical properties, contact angle measurements to evaluate hydrophilicity, and MTT assays to investigate the cytotoxicity of the scaffold. The results of this study demonstrated the predominance of the amorphous phase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed the interconnectedness of the strata, their surface uniformity, and the presence of HA particles. The compressive strength of the scaffold was measured at ۸۸.۰۲۵ MPa, with a Young's modulus of ۳۱.۶۵۹ ± ۰.۱۶۹ MPa. Additionally, the fabricated scaffold exhibited hydrophilic properties and was non-cytotoxic. Overall, it can be concluded that the designed scaffold has significant potential for use in biomedical applications.

کلیدواژه ها:

Polylactic acid ، Hydroxyapatite ، Biocompatibility ، Mechanical properties