DEVELOPMENT OF 3D-PRINTED NANO-HYDROXYAPATITE COMPOSITE SCAFFOLDS FOR BONE TISSUE REGENERATION

Abstract

Large and critical-sized bone defects remain difficult to treat because natural healing is often insufficient. Although autografts and allografts are widely used, their application is limited by donor-site injury, restricted availability, immune complications and the risk of disease transmission. Bone-tissue engineering offers a promising alternative through the development of temporary scaffolds capable of supporting cell attachment, tissue formation and gradual bone replacement. The present study proposes the development of three-dimensional printed nano-hydroxyapatite and polycaprolactone composite scaffolds for bone regeneration. Nano-hydroxyapatite is selected because of its chemical similarity to the mineral phase of natural bone, while polycaprolactone provides flexibility, processability and structural stability. Different concentrations of nano-hydroxyapatite will be incorporated into the polymer matrix and fabricated through extrusion based 3D printing. The scaffolds will be evaluated for morphology, pore architecture, chemical composition, crystallinity, wettability, compressive strength, biodegradation and apatite-forming ability. Their biological performance will be assessed through cell viability, adhesion, proliferation, alkaline-phosphatase activity and mineralisation studies. The central innovation of the study lies in optimising scaffold composition and printing architecture together rather than treating them as separate variables. The proposed scaffold is expected to provide interconnected porosity, improved surface bioactivity, suitable mechanical strength and controlled degradation. The study may contribute to the development of patient-specific and biologically active scaffolds for repairing complex bone defects.