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Microarchitected 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) nanocomposite scaffolds for biomedical applications
Fahad Alam1, Vishnu Raj Shukla2, K M Varadarajan3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University, Masdar Campus, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
|February 25, 2020
Summary
This study developed anti-bacterial scaffolds using PLA nanocomposites with copper, bronze, and silver particles via fused filament fabrication. These enhanced scaffolds show improved mechanical properties and significant bioactivity, making them promising for bone tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with potential for bone scaffolds.
- Enhancing PLA's mechanical and anti-bacterial properties is crucial for effective bone regeneration.
- Additive manufacturing offers precise control over scaffold architecture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize anti-bacterial PLA nanocomposite scaffolds.
- To evaluate the impact of metallic particle reinforcement and surface treatment on scaffold properties.
- To assess the suitability of these nanocomposites for bone scaffold applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PLA nanocomposite scaffolds using fused filament fabrication (FFF).
- Incorporation of copper, bronze, and silver particles into the PLA matrix.
- Characterization of thermal, mechanical, bioactivity, and bactericidal properties.
- Surface modification using acetic acid treatment.
Main Results:
- PLA nanocomposites with bronze and silver particles showed increased elastic modulus and stiffness.
- Silver-filled PLA nanocomposites exhibited up to 103% increase in stiffness.
- Acetic acid treatment synergistically enhanced anti-bacterial properties (~20-25%) and bioactivity (~18-100%).
Conclusions:
- PLA nanocomposites reinforced with metallic particles demonstrate improved mechanical strength.
- Surface treatment with acetic acid further boosts anti-bacterial and bioactive performance.
- These enhanced PLA nanocomposites are promising candidates for bone scaffold applications.
