Cytocompatibility of a Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate Scaffold for Applications in Bone...

Critical-size bone defects (CSDs) represent a clinical challenge as they exceed the bone's intrinsic regenerative capacity. Given the limitations of conventional therapies, regenerative medicine offers strategies based on scaffolds to promote tissue reconstruction and restore bone function. This study aimed to perform the physicochemical, morphological, topographical, and surface mechanical characterization of a poly-(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/beta-tricalcium phosphate (PLGA/β-TCP) scaffold and to assess its in vitro cytocompatibility profile. To this end, PLGA/β-TCP scaffolds were designed and fabricated using the same raw materials and manufacturing process as a commercially available product. Characterization was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric (TG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses, optical profilometry (OP), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and PeakForce quantitative nanomechanical mapping (QNM). Cytocompatibility was assessed using the MG-63 osteogenic cell line. The incorporation of β-TCP significantly increased the surface roughness and stiffness of the scaffold, as evidenced by elevated values across all analytical parameters. The resulting architecture was more complex, with a predominance of rounded peaks and valleys and a larger surface area. These topographical features are directly associated with the enhanced cytocompatibility observed for the same sample, particularly within the first 24 h of analysis, indicating improved cell adhesion of the biomaterial. It is worth noting that the topography of the 3D-printed PLGA/β-TCP structures was analyzed in detail using unconventional parameters, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the surface behavior and its biological implications. This detailed approach revealed the positive influence of these characteristics on cytocompatibility, an essential aspect for osseointegration. These findings contribute to the understanding of the biological performance of this composite and provide support for its application in tissue engineering and bone regenerative medicine.