Architected poly(lactic acid)/poly(?-caprolactone)/halloysite nanotube composite scaffolds enabled by 3D printing for biomedical applications

Abstract Herein, we report the physicochemical, thermal, mechanical and biological characteristics, including bioactivity, biodegradation cytocompatibility of additive manufacturing-enabled novel nanocomposite scaffolds. The scaffolds comprise a blend polylactic acid (PLA) poly-?-caprolactone (PCL) reinforced with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). nanoengineered filaments were developed by melt blending, manufactured fused filament fabrication. Uniform dispersion HNTs in PLA/PCL is revealed via scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical property loss due to addition PCL realize suitable rate PLA was fully recovered HNTs. Bioactivity, as fraction apatite growth quantified from XRD analysis, 5.4, 6.3, 6.8 7.1% for PLA, 3, 5 7 wt% HNT blend, respectively, evidencing enhancement bioactivity. degradation rate, terms weight loss, reduced 4.6% 1.3% (PLA/PCL) upon PCL, which gradually increased 4.4% (at HNT). results suggest that properties cell adhesion, 3D printed, microarchitected PLA/PCL/HNT composite can be tuned an appropriate combination content matrix, demonstrating their promise bone replacement regeneration applications. Graphical abstract