Advanced Bioresin Formulation for 3D-Printed Bone Scaffolds: PCLDMA and p-PLA Integration

In bone tissue engineering, scaffold attributes such as pore dimensions and mechanical strength are crucial. This study synthesized polycaprolactone dimethacrylate (PCLDMA) from polycaprolactone (PCL), incorporating epichlorohydrin (Epi-PCL) and methacryloyl chloride (Meth-Cl). PCLDMA was blended with polylactic acid (p-PLA) to 3D-print bone scaffolds using stereolithography (SLA). Analytical techniques included nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and compression testing. Degradation kinetics and cell viability were investigated using human osteoblast (HOB) cells. Findings revealed PCLDMA/p-PLA composite scaffold superiority over the original polymers. Notably, PCLDMA-60 (60% PCLDMA, 40% p-PLA) displayed optimal properties. Compressive strength varied from 0.019 to 16.185 MPa, porosity from 2% to 50%, and degradation rates from 0% to 0.4% over three days. Cell viability assays affirmed biocompatibility across various PCLDMA ratios. In conclusion, PCLDMA/p-PLA composite scaffolds, particularly PCLDMA-60, show great potential in bone tissue engineering.