Three-dimensional printed poly(l-lactide) copolymers with nano-hydroxyapatite scaffolds for enhanced osteogenic and regenerative activities in bone tissue engineering

Biocompatible porous scaffolds with adjustable degradation rate and mechanical properties have attracted increasing interest in tissue engineering. 3D printing technology is an effective method for the rapid preparation of bone tissue engineering scaffolds. In this study, bone conductive poly( l -lactide- ran -p-dioxanone- ran -glycolide) (PLPG)/nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) (P/H) composites are prepared by solution blending method, which are used to fabricate P/H scaffolds by 3D printing technology. The physicochemical properties of the P/H composites are examined by DSC, XRD, and contact angle goniometry. Furthermore, the surface morphology, mechanical properties, biodegradation ability, and in vitro biocompatibility of the P/H scaffolds are investigated. The results indicate the PLPG copolymers have a highly printability with nHAP, and the mechanical and biodegradation properties of the P/H scaffolds can be tuned by adjusting the ratio of PLPG and nHAP. The in vitro biological experiments show that the P/H scaffolds are excellent substrates for the adhesion, growth, and proliferation of MC3T3-E1.