Fabrication of the 3D-printed polycaprolactone scaffold incorporating halloysite nanotubes for controlled drug delivery

Aim and Background: Nowadays, tissue engineering is a developing field to regenerate tissues by scaffolds. The fabrication method of a tissue scaffold can differ based on the design and material used. 3D printing is a novel approach for fabricating scaffolds of varied shapes and structures. In this study, PCL and halloysite nanotubes were combined to create a printable ink. Methods: Polycaprolactone (PCL) is commonly used in tissue engineering due to its excellent properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity. Hence, it was employed as a polymeric component of ink to create 3D bone tissue scaffolds. To create nanocomposite scaffolds with adjustable biological and structural properties, PCL was combined with HNTs that contained antibiotic drugs. Results and discussion: The characterization of scaffolds by SEM images shows that all samples are highly porous, with connected pores and equal pore sizes of about 330 ± 20 μm that are appropriate for cell ingrowth and proliferation. Cell viability was evaluated by the MTT assay, which indicated that the samples had cell viability greater than 84% within 7 days. Several other analyses, such as FTIR and drug release, were accomplished, and the antibacterial activity of the fabricated scaffolds was investigated. Conclusion: The fabricated scaffolds showed non-toxicity, suitable morphology and mechanical properties, and a controlled release of the drug for bone tissue applications. Also, the nanotube used in this research is stable at high temperatures, which is completely compatible with the scaffold printing method used.