Fabrication and evaluation of PLA/MgAl 2 O 4 scaffolds manufactured through 3D printing method.

In this study, we synthesized magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl2 O4 ) with a particle size ranging from 35 to 70 nm using a facile combustion approach. Then, we used a 3D printing (FDM) machine to produce PLA/x wt% MgAl2 O4 (x = 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8) scaffolds. To investigate the crystal structure, microstructure, biodegradability, and thermal characteristics of the produced materials, we employed X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA), and compressive strength analyses. The results showed that PLA/6 wt% MgAl2 O4 scaffolds possess the highest amounts of compressive strength. We evaluated the bio-activation and biodegradability of scaffolds by immersing them in simulated body fluid (SBF) for four weeks. Interestingly, the highest strength was achieved in PLA/6 wt% MgAl2 O4 scaffolds, while the improper dispersion of ceramic particles happened on the polymer substrate in cases where x>6. ICP analysis showed that the addition of spinel nanoparticles to PLA increased the biodegradability of the scaffolds. Our FESEM results supported this finding and also revealed that the dispersion of ceramic particles on the polymer substrate was not uniform in cases where x>6. Also, according to the results of STA, the presence of MgAl2 O4 nanoparticles effectively reduces the rate of thermal decomposition from 95 to 85 percent.