Improving physio-mechanical and biological properties of 3D-printed PLA scaffolds via in-situ argon cold plasma treatment.

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

As a bone tissue engineering material, polylactic acid (PLA) has received significant attention and interest due to its ease of processing and biocompatibility. However, its insufficient mechanical properties and poor wettability are two major drawbacks that limit its extensive use. For this purpose, the present study uses in-situ cold argon plasma treatment coupled with a fused deposition modeling printer to enhance the physio-mechanical and biological behavior of 3D-printed PLA scaffolds. Following plasma treatment, field emission scanning electron microscopy images indicated that the surface of the modified scaffold became rough, and the interlayer bonding was enhanced. This resulted in an improvement in the tensile properties of samples printed in the X, Y, and Z directions, with the enhancement being more significant in the Z direction. Additionally, the root mean square value of PLA scaffolds increased (up to 70-fold) after plasma treatment. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that the plasma technique increased the intensity of oxygen-containing bonds, thereby reducing the water contact angle from 92.5° to 42.1°. The in-vitro degradation study also demonstrated that argon plasma treatment resulted in a 77% increase in PLA scaffold degradation rate. Furthermore, the modified scaffold improved the viability, attachment, and proliferation of human adipose

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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