Comparative analysis of solvent-based and solvent-free (melting) methods for fabricating 3D-printed polycaprolactone-hydroxyapatite composite bone scaffolds: physicochemical/mechanical analyses and <i>in vitro</i> cytocompatibility.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The study conducts a comparative analysis between two prominent methods for fabricating composites for bone scaffolds-the (solid) solvent method and the solvent-free (melting) method. While previous research has explored these methods individually, this study provides a direct comparison of their outcomes in terms of physicochemical properties, cytocompatibility, and mechanical strength. We also analyse their workflow and scalability potentials.

Design/methodology/approach

Polycaprolactone (PCL) and hydroxyapatite (HA) composites were prepared using solvent (chloroform) and melting (180°C) methods, then 3D-printed using an extrusion-based 3D printer to fabricate scaffolds (8 × 8 × 4 mm). Rheology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrosco

SUBMITTER: De Vega B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11743559 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature