Design and Characterization of 3D Printed Auxetic PLA-HA Composite Scaffolds for Biomedical Application.
Saved in:
| Title: | Design and Characterization of 3D Printed Auxetic PLA-HA Composite Scaffolds for Biomedical Application. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Benziada, Mohammed Amine1 (AUTHOR) ismail.daoud@usthb.edu.dz, Sanchez-Herencia, Antonio Javier2 (AUTHOR), Daoud, Ismail1,3 (AUTHOR), Besharatloo, Hossein3,4 (AUTHOR), Ferrari, Begoña1,2 (AUTHOR), Miroud, Djamel1,2 (AUTHOR), Ferrandez-Montero, Ana2,3 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Materials (1996-1944). May2026, Vol. 19 Issue 10, p1972. 26p. |
| Subjects: | Auxetic materials, Hydroxyapatite, Three-dimensional printing, Tissue scaffolds, Mechanical behavior of materials, Biodegradation |
| Abstract: | Highlights: Three-Dimensional printed auxetic structures of a biocompatible PLA-40% HA composite. Presence of HA in the thermoplastic improves the wettability, Young modulus, and wear resistance. Soaking in PBS degrades the polymer, causing the composite to present worse mechanical resistance. Re-entrant auxetic structure demonstrated notable mechanical retention after biodegradation. Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques are becoming key factors for repairing and replacing damaged bone. These techniques enable the customization of implants, which can be tailored to the specific area to be treated or healed. Additionally, the combination of absorbable and osteoconductive biomaterials with 3D printing could eliminate second surgeries to remove implants, which is particularly relevant in pediatric and geriatric patients. The capabilities of AM in this context affect not only the external shape but also the internal microarchitecture, where the arrangement of struts to develop complex infills enhances relevant properties such as specific strength, degradation rate, and vascularization. In this study, auxetic scaffold structures made of both polylactic acid (PLA) and a PLA-hydroxyapatite (PLA-HA) composite with 40 wt% of hydroxyapatite (HA) are designed and produced using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). Samples of PLA and PLA-HA were 3D printed in dense samples and with auxetic infills. In dense samples, the characterization is performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, wettability tests, nanoindentation, and tribological assessments. Two auxetic cellular models have been tested after degradation in PBS media, and their microstructural, structural, and mechanical properties are analyzed. Results show that the addition of hydroxyapatite (HA) significantly improves the hydrophilicity of the PLA matrix, as evidenced by a decrease in water contact angle from 73.4 ± 4.4° to 52.6 ± 2.8° (≈28% reduction), while also enhancing its mechanical and tribological properties, with hardness increasing from 207 ± 30 MPa to 241 ± 28 MPa (≈15%) and Young's modulus from 4.08 ± 0.55 GPa to 6.24 ± 0.61 GPa (≈53%). Additionally, biodegradation of PLA-HA composites reveals a significant reduction in mechanical properties after 15 days, while the auxetic re-entrant structures mostly retain their shape during compression testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Materials (1996-1944) is the property of MDPI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Engineering Source |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | Highlights: Three-Dimensional printed auxetic structures of a biocompatible PLA-40% HA composite. Presence of HA in the thermoplastic improves the wettability, Young modulus, and wear resistance. Soaking in PBS degrades the polymer, causing the composite to present worse mechanical resistance. Re-entrant auxetic structure demonstrated notable mechanical retention after biodegradation. Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques are becoming key factors for repairing and replacing damaged bone. These techniques enable the customization of implants, which can be tailored to the specific area to be treated or healed. Additionally, the combination of absorbable and osteoconductive biomaterials with 3D printing could eliminate second surgeries to remove implants, which is particularly relevant in pediatric and geriatric patients. The capabilities of AM in this context affect not only the external shape but also the internal microarchitecture, where the arrangement of struts to develop complex infills enhances relevant properties such as specific strength, degradation rate, and vascularization. In this study, auxetic scaffold structures made of both polylactic acid (PLA) and a PLA-hydroxyapatite (PLA-HA) composite with 40 wt% of hydroxyapatite (HA) are designed and produced using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). Samples of PLA and PLA-HA were 3D printed in dense samples and with auxetic infills. In dense samples, the characterization is performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, wettability tests, nanoindentation, and tribological assessments. Two auxetic cellular models have been tested after degradation in PBS media, and their microstructural, structural, and mechanical properties are analyzed. Results show that the addition of hydroxyapatite (HA) significantly improves the hydrophilicity of the PLA matrix, as evidenced by a decrease in water contact angle from 73.4 ± 4.4° to 52.6 ± 2.8° (≈28% reduction), while also enhancing its mechanical and tribological properties, with hardness increasing from 207 ± 30 MPa to 241 ± 28 MPa (≈15%) and Young's modulus from 4.08 ± 0.55 GPa to 6.24 ± 0.61 GPa (≈53%). Additionally, biodegradation of PLA-HA composites reveals a significant reduction in mechanical properties after 15 days, while the auxetic re-entrant structures mostly retain their shape during compression testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 19961944 |
| DOI: | 10.3390/ma19101972 |
