Surface modification of PLA 3D-printed implants by electrospinning with enhanced bioactivity and cell affinity

PLA screw implants was fabricated using Fused Deposition Modeling by a bio 3D printer, and the surface modification method was also applied to enhance their properties like bioactivity and cell affinity. The crystallinity of the screws was measured using the modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC). Electrospinning apparatus was used to coat the screws by poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-nano Hydroxyapatite (nHA) nanofibers, with various concentrations of nHA. PVA-nHA nanofibers with a diameter ranging from 263.1 nm ± 45 nm–326.3 nm ± 40 nm was obtained. Bioactivity of the coated screws was evaluated by immersing in the simulated body fluid as well as the cytotoxicity using MTT assay. The behavior of the MC3T3-E1 cells cultured on the 3D-printed PLA sample and PVA-nHA nanofiber samples was evaluated. The results showed that the PVA-nHA nanofibers could significantly enhance the adhesion of the MC3T3-E1 cells as well as the growth of the cells. [Display omitted] •3D-printed screws were coated by PVA-Hydroxyapatite nanofibers using Electrospinning apparatus.•Using 10 wt% of PVA water solution resulted in the formation of a smooth bead-free nanofibers.•Addition of nano Hydroxyapatite in the PVA water solution resulted in the formation of thinner nanofibers.•PVA-Hydroxyapatite nanofibers electro-spun on the 3D printed screws significantly improved cell affinity, and bioactivity.