3D printing of f-MWCNT incorporated plga/ha scaffolds for bone regeneration

3D printing is an effective technology due to production of objects quickly and precisely by controlling over their shape and size. In the study, poly(lactide-co- glycolide) (PLGA) and its nanocomposites with 5 wt.% hydroxyapatite (HA) and with 0.5, 1 and 2 wt.% carboxyl functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were prepared by 3D printing technique, Fused Deposition Modelling(FDM). The print- ing parameters were optimized based on rheological studies. Accordningly, all ink com- positions exhibited a shear thinning behaviour. The inclusion of MWCNTs reduced filament size, which was related to hydrogen bonding between functional groups of the components. This increased the ultimate porosity from 42% to 60% with improved shape fidelity. The chemical structure was examined by XRD and FTIR. The surface bioactivity of the scaffolds was tested by water contact angle (WCA) measurement and stimulated body fluid (SBF). A universal testing machine was used for the compressive characteristics of biomaterials. Finally, biocompatibility was confirmed by in vitro cell analysis. The higher surface hydrophilicity was achieved by incorporating MWCNTs. In addition, degradation outcomes indicated that the HA and MWCNT made the mi- crostructure more stable. The compressive modulus for PLGA/HA/CNT2 scaffold was reported to be 548.5 MPa which within the range appropriate for cancellous bone re- placement. Cell culture results suggested that the nanocomposites scaffolds facilitated the cellular response, likely via MWCNT alignment during nozzle passage. Alizarin red staining revealed a significant raise in mineralization degree of MC3T3-E1 on 3D porous scaffolds with MWCNTs. The findings imply that the generated 3D printed PLGA/HA/CNT scaffold hold potential for effective bone treatment.