Mechanical and In Vitro Analysis of 3D Printed Silk Fibroin/Bone/Polycaprolactone/Chitosan Composite Scaffolds

Bone grafting remains the primary treatment for orthopedic injuries, diseases, and fractures; however, when impractical, bone tissue engineering offers scaffolding as an alternative. This study aims to develop composite biomaterial inks for 3D bioprinting of scaffolds using silk fibroin (SF), bone particles (B), synthetic biopolymer poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL), and chitosan (C). The biomechanical, structural, and biological properties of the composite scaffolds were examined to assess their suitability for bone tissue formation. In vitro bioactivity in simulated body fluids, swelling, and degradation properties were also assessed. Results indicate that bovine bone particles enhance the mechanical endurance of silk fibroin-based composite scaffolds and increase their ability to produce hydroxyapatite in vitro. Overall, these findings suggest that 3D printed bio-composite scaffolds mimic real bone features and can be utilized for bone tissue regeneration and restoration.