Biofabrication of zinc-reinforced PLA scaffolds by FDM for bone tissue engineering.

ABSTRACT: The development of biodegradable scaffolds with improved mechanical and biological performance is a pressing challenge in bone tissue engineering. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), widely used in fused deposition modelling (FDM) due to its processability and biocompatibility, lacks sufficient bioactivity and strength for demanding applications. In this study, we fabricated and evaluated zinc-reinforced PLA composite filaments (5-30 wt% Zn) via melt extrusion and FDM to define a practical printability window and establish process-structure-function relationships aimed at enhancing osteointegration and stability. Microstructure, density, and crystallinity were characterized by optical microscopy/scanning electron microscope, Archimedes' principle, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorime

SUBMITTER: Halevi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12744395 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature