Experimental investigation of PCL-based composite material fabricated using solvent-cast 3D printing process

Bone tissue engineering relies on scaffolds with enhanced mechanical properties, achievable through 3D printing techniques. Our study focuses on enhancing mechanical properties using a solvent-cast 3D printing method. For this, poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) reinforced with polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), and synthetic fluorapatite (FHAp) nanopowders were utilized, immersed in a solution of dichloromethane (DCM) and dimethylformamide (DMF). Sol-gel method was used to synthesized FHAp, and the XRD pattern confirmed crystalline FHAp presence, with notable peaks at 2 theta values of 31.937 degrees, 33.128 degrees, 32.268 degrees, and 25.864 degrees. Moreover, composites exhibited nonchemical PCL-PHB/FHAp interactions, with PHB and FHAp crystallographic planes evident. Surface roughness, assessed via RMS values, showed progressive increases with higher PHB and FHAp content. Tensile strength peaked at 19% wt/v of PHB, with varied effects of FHAp. Compressive strength reached its apex at 30% wt/v of FHAp, with higher PHB content consistently enhancing strength. Flexural strength notably increased with PHB, peaking at 19% wt/v, and further with FHAp. Young's modulus rose with both PHB and FHAp content. Hardness increased with PHB and FHAp, notably peaking at 30% wt/v of FHAp. Cell viability improved with PHB, showing varied responses to FHAp. Hemocompatibility evaluations indicated low hemolysis percentages, especially in balanced PHB/FHAp compositions. These findings highlight the crucial role of composite compositions in tailoring mechanical and biological properties for optimal bone scaffold design, promising advancements in tissue regeneration technologies.