Composites of Polylactic Acid with Diatomaceous Earth for 3D-Printing Biocompatible Scaffolds: A Systematic Study of Their Mechanical, Thermal, and Biocompatibility Properties

Abstract

This study explores the development of biocompatible scaffolds for bone regeneration, utilizing polylactic acid (PLA) combined with calcium phosphate as a pH buffer and diatomaceous earth as a biocompatibilizer. These materials were extruded and 3D-printed to enhance cell adhesion and biodegradability after enough cell growth. The biocompatibility of the resulting composites, with different proportions of the components and sterilization methods, was tested according to the ISO 10993 protocol. The optimal performance, with nearly zero cytotoxicity, was observed with 20 PLA/1 CP/1 DE mass ratios and gamma sterilization. Tension analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied to the 3D-printed composites, which were also analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to understand the origin of the tension properties better, which were comparable to those of cancellous bone. Degradation tests under physiological conditions for 13 weeks showed no significant mass loss. Furthermore, it was observed that cell adhesion, viability, proliferation, and osteoconduction are possible in the scaffolds studied, opening opportunities for future studies to substantiate the use of 3D-printed silica-filled composites as an alternative to homologous implants for various bone regeneration applications.