Antibacterial Properties of PCL@45s5 Composite Biomaterial Scaffolds Based on Additive Manufacturing.

This study focuses on the development of polymer-bioglass composite bone scaffolds for the treatment of bone defects. PCL particles and 45s5 bioglass powder were employed as raw materials to fabricate PCL/45s5 composite wires with mass fractions of 5 wt%, 10 wt%, and 20 wt% via the twin-screw extrusion method. A cylindrical porous model was established using 3D modeling software, and a porous composite scaffold was constructed through the melt deposition manufacturing process. The macroscopical characterization of composite stock and composite powder was analyzed. The melt flow rate, water contact angle, elastic modulus, in vitro degradation rate, and antibacterial property of composite scaffold were measured. The experimental results showed that the incorporation of 45s5 bioglass into PCL material gave the composite better antibacterial properties, effectively reduced the flow rate of the material, increased the hydrophobicity of the material, and improved the rigidity and biocompatibility of the PCL material. This study offers initial insights into the use of synthetic bone tissue engineering scaffolds for clinical bone repair treatments.