Chemical modification of PLA for the realization of 3D printed nanocomposite scaffolds with enhanced degradation rate for bone regeneration

In this study, nanocomposites of PLA and PLA functionalized with itaconic anhydride (PLAf) containing 5 and 10 wt% of hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles were prepared through solution mixing. The materials were characterized using 1H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Scaffolds of PLA, PLAf, and their nanocomposites with 5 and 10% HA were then fabricated using 3D printing technology. The mechanical properties, structure, and hydrolytic degradation behavior of the scaffolds were evaluated. Additionally, a biological investigation was conducted to study cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation using human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) as the cellular model.