Fabrication and evaluation of 3D printed PLGA/nHA/GO scaffold for bone tissue engineering

The study aimed to fabricate and evaluate a bone tissue engineering scaffold made from a composite of polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA), and graphene oxide (GO) using low-temperature 3D printing and freeze-drying techniques. The scaffolds were produced with varying compositions: PLGA alone and in combination with nHA and GO. The macro and microstructure, pore size, porosity, mechanical properties, and in vitro biocompatibility were assessed. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were co-cultured with the scaffolds to evaluate cell adhesion, proliferation, and cytotoxicity. The PLGA/nHA/GO composite scaffolds exhibited optimal pore size and microtopography, enhanced mechanical properties, excellent water absorption, and appropriate degradability. The co-culture with BMSCs demonstrated improved cell adhesion and proliferation, indicating good biocompatibility. The PLGA/nHA/GO composite scaffolds show potential as a bone tissue engineering material due to their favorable properties and biocompatibility, suggesting their suitability for bone defect repair applications.