Fabrication and evaluation of PLA/MgAl₂O₄ scaffolds manufactured through 3D printing method

In this study, we synthesized magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl₂O₄) with a particle size ranging from 35 to 70 nm using a facile combustion approach. Then, we used a 3D printing (FDM) machine to produce PLA/x wt% MgAl₂O₄ (x = 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8) scaffolds. To investigate the crystal structure, microstructure, biodegradability, and thermal characteristics of the produced materials, we employed X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA), and compressive strength analyses. The results showed that PLA/6 wt% MgAl₂O₄ scaffolds possess the highest amounts of compressive strength. We evaluated the bio-activation and biodegradability of scaffolds by immersing them in simulated body fluid (SBF) for four weeks. Interestingly, the highest strength was achieved in PLA/6 wt% MgAl₂O₄ scaffolds, while the improper dispersion of ceramic particles happened on the polymer substrate in cases where x>6. ICP analysis showed that the addition of spinel nanoparticles to PLA increased the biodegradability of the scaffolds. Our FESEM results supported this finding and also revealed that the dispersion of ceramic particles on the polymer substrate was not uniform in cases where x>6. Also, according to the results of STA, the presence of MgAl₂O₄ nanoparticles effectively reduces the rate of thermal decomposition from 95 to 85 percent.