Revolutionizing bone regeneration: 3D printing of PLA/MFBG composites with advanced healing properties

Abstract

© 2024 Elsevier LtdBone tissue engineering (BTE) aims to address critical challenges in bone regeneration caused by trauma, diseases, or age-related degeneration. Despite the inherent regenerative capacity of bone tissue, large or complex defects often exceed the body's ability to heal effectively. This paper explores the development and characterization of printed poly-lactic acid and multifunctional bioactive glass (PLA/MFBG) composites as potential solutions for enhancing bone regeneration strategies. Bioactive glasses, known for their biocompatibility and osteogenic properties, were synthesized via a sol-gel route. The synthesis incorporated essential ions (Si, Ca, P, Cu, Sr, Mg, Zn) crucial for bone formation. The improved mechanical and biological properties required for effective bone substitutes were achieved by the integration of MFBG into PLA matrices using fused deposition modeling (FDM), e.g., a cost-effective 3D printing technique suitable for large-scale scaffold production. The composite materials exhibited enhanced physico-chemical properties, along with improved mechanical strength, controlled biodegradation, and superior biocompatibility, underscoring their potential for advanced BTE applications. This research underscores the potential of integrating multifunctional bioactive glass into polymer matrices as a viable approach to overcome current limitations in bone tissue engineering. It paves the way for future advancements in medical and dental therapies.

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