Promoting bone regeneration by 3D-printed poly(glycolic acid)/hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds

Schematic diagram of the 3D-printed poly(glycolic acid)/hydroxyapatite composite scaffold and characterization. [Display omitted] •Porous PGA/HAp composite scaffolds with different mixture ratios were 3D-printed with computer-aided modeling and printing parameters to investigate physicochemical properties and bone regeneration ability.•The PGA/HAp 12.5 wt% group exhibited the highest values for compressive modulus, with predominant proliferation of osteoblasts in comparison to the other groups.•Biodegradation rates of the PGA/HAp composite scaffolds were facilitated by increasing the HAp ratio. In in vivo animal experiments, the PGA/HAp group demonstrated 47% bone regeneration, with superior bone mineral density 8 weeks after surgery.•The promoted bone growth revealed thick osseous tissue formations that surrounded the PGA/HAp composite scaffolds.•The 3D-printed PGA/HAp scaffold can provide a feasible option to promote patient-specific bone regeneration. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is a major bone graft component for hard tissue regeneration. However, sintered HAp has poor formability and mechanical properties. Porous 3D scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration were printed with computer-aided modeling using poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) and HAp. PGA scaffolds containing HAp nanoparticles were fabricated with a 400μm pore size. PGA/HAp scaffolds containing 12.5wt% HAp showed considerable compressive strength, osteogenesis, mineralization, and biodegradation. In in vivo animal experiments, the PGA/HAp group exhibited 47% bone regeneration, with superior bone mineral density 8 weeks after surgery. 3D-printed PGA/HAp scaffolds could provide a feasible option to promote patient-specific bone regeneration.