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Purpose <p>The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of incorporating hydroxyapatite (HA) and graphene-incorporated hydroxyapatite (HA/G) into a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix on the physicochemical, mechanical, and preliminary biological characteristics of 3D-printed composite scaffolds.</p> Methods <p>Composite scaffolds based on PLA, PLA/HA, and PLA/HA/G were fabricated using extrusion-based 3D printing. The materials were characterized using SEM/EDS, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), wettability assessment via contact angle measurement, compressive strength, and Young’s modulus. Cytocompatibility was evaluated using the AlamarBlue<sup>®</sup> assay with L929 fibroblasts. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05).</p> Results <p>The incorporation of HA significantly improved scaffold hydrophilicity (contact angle reduced from 95.79° ± 1.29° to 70.13° ± 4.63°), while PLA/HA/G exhibited intermediate behavior (81.94° ± 3.47°). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses provided evidence the incorporation of HA and graphene into the PLA matrix, with the presence of Ca and P elements and increased surface heterogeneity in the composites, as qualitatively analyzed. Slight improvement in thermal stability was observed for PLA/HA/G. Mechanical testing indicated that pure PLA scaffolds exhibited the highest compressive strength and Young’s modulus, while the incorporation of HA and graphene reduced the average values, with statistically significant differences observed for Young’s modulus between PLA/HA/G and the other groups. All scaffolds demonstrated cytocompatibility above 90%, confirming non-cytotoxicity.</p> Conclusion <p>The results demonstrate that PLA/HA and PLA/HA/G scaffolds exhibit favorable physicochemical characteristics and cytocompatibility, indicating potential for further investigation in bone tissue engineering. SEM and EDS analyses provided evidence the incorporation of HA and graphene into the polymer matrix. In addition, PLA scaffolds exhibited the highest Young’s modulus, with significant differences observed for PLA/HA/G. Future studies should evaluate pore architecture, degradation, and biological performance to better investigate its potential.</p>

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Evaluation of PLA/HA and PLA/HA/G printed scaffolds: influence of graphene and hydroxyapatite on physicochemical and biological properties

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月15日

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  • Arthur João Reis Lima Rodovalho,
  • Willams Teles Barbosa,
  • Jaqueline Leite Vieira,
  • Caio Athayde de Oliva,
  • Ana Paula Bispo Gonçalves,
  • Izamir Resende Junior Borges Miguel,
  • Josiane Dantas Viana Barbosa

摘要

Purpose

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of incorporating hydroxyapatite (HA) and graphene-incorporated hydroxyapatite (HA/G) into a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix on the physicochemical, mechanical, and preliminary biological characteristics of 3D-printed composite scaffolds.

Methods

Composite scaffolds based on PLA, PLA/HA, and PLA/HA/G were fabricated using extrusion-based 3D printing. The materials were characterized using SEM/EDS, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), wettability assessment via contact angle measurement, compressive strength, and Young’s modulus. Cytocompatibility was evaluated using the AlamarBlue® assay with L929 fibroblasts. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test (p < 0.05).

Results

The incorporation of HA significantly improved scaffold hydrophilicity (contact angle reduced from 95.79° ± 1.29° to 70.13° ± 4.63°), while PLA/HA/G exhibited intermediate behavior (81.94° ± 3.47°). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses provided evidence the incorporation of HA and graphene into the PLA matrix, with the presence of Ca and P elements and increased surface heterogeneity in the composites, as qualitatively analyzed. Slight improvement in thermal stability was observed for PLA/HA/G. Mechanical testing indicated that pure PLA scaffolds exhibited the highest compressive strength and Young’s modulus, while the incorporation of HA and graphene reduced the average values, with statistically significant differences observed for Young’s modulus between PLA/HA/G and the other groups. All scaffolds demonstrated cytocompatibility above 90%, confirming non-cytotoxicity.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that PLA/HA and PLA/HA/G scaffolds exhibit favorable physicochemical characteristics and cytocompatibility, indicating potential for further investigation in bone tissue engineering. SEM and EDS analyses provided evidence the incorporation of HA and graphene into the polymer matrix. In addition, PLA scaffolds exhibited the highest Young’s modulus, with significant differences observed for PLA/HA/G. Future studies should evaluate pore architecture, degradation, and biological performance to better investigate its potential.