Abstract
The biomaterials polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and hydroxyapatite (HA) were selected to fabricate composite filaments for 3D printing fused filament fabrication (FFF), which was used to fabricate a composite biomaterial for an interlocking nail for canine diaphyseal fractures instead of metal bioinert materials. Bioactive materials were used to increase biological activities and provide a high possibility for bone regeneration to eliminate the limitations of interlocking nails. HA was added to PLA and PCL granules in three ratios according to the percentage of HA: 0%, 5%, and 15% (PLA/PCL, PLA/PCL/5HA, and PLA/PCL/15HA, respectively), before the filaments were extruded. The test specimens were 3D-printed from the extruded composite filaments using an FFF printer. Then, a group of test specimens was coated by silk fibroin (SF) using the lyophilization technique to increase their biological properties. Mechanical, biological, and chemical characterizations were performed to investigate the properties of the composite biomaterials. The glass transition and melting temperatures of the copolymer were not influenced by the presence of HA in the PLA/PCL filaments. Meanwhile, the presence of HA in the PLA/PCL/15HA group resulted in the highest compressive strength (82.72 ± 1.76 MPa) and the lowest tensile strength (52.05 ± 2.44 MPa). HA provided higher bone cell proliferation, and higher values were observed in the SF coating group. Therefore, FFF 3D-printed filaments using composite materials with bioactive materials have a high potential for use in fabricating an interlocking nail for canine diaphyseal fractures.
Highlights
Diaphyseal fractures in dogs and cats are common small animal orthopedic injuries that can be treated by using interlocking nails
Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is a well-known 3D printing method and an additive manufacturing (AM) technology that is widely used in several fields [7]
Polymers provide low mechanical properties, they are still able to carry the mechanical load on small animal bones, such as feline and canine femurs [12]
Summary
Diaphyseal fractures in dogs and cats are common small animal orthopedic injuries that can be treated by using interlocking nails. Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is a well-known 3D printing method and an additive manufacturing (AM) technology that is widely used in several fields [7]. It provides several benefits, such as product customization, cost-effectiveness, and the possibility to create complex structures, making it ideal for patient-specific devices in biomedical applications [8,9]. Copolymers or blended composite materials are required to improve the properties of the fabricated materials [13]. Biomaterial filaments, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and poly-caprolactone (PCL), are commercially available for FFF 3D printing.
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