Fabrication and characterization of a highly degradable 3D-printed composite scaffold

Polycaprolactone (PCL) 3D-printed scaffolds have gained significant attention in bone tissue engineering. However, their slow degradation rate limits timely resorption and replacement by natural bone. To address this, a 3D-printed composite scaffold with enhanced degradation properties was developed by incorporating water-soluble cobalt fluoride (CoF₂) and copper fluoride (CuF₂) into the PCL matrix at 1 and 2 wt.%. The physicochemical and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were analyzed using TGA/DSC, XRD, FTIR, and compressive testing. Results demonstrated that increasing CoF 2 and CuF 2 concentrations accelerated degradation by 30% over 28 days in Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution (pH 7.37, 37 ± 0.5 °C) compared to pure PCL scaffolds. The compressive modulus increased by 40% for CuF-2 and 60% for CoF-2 compared to PCL scaffold. In vitro assessment using MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells confirmed the cytocompatibility of composite scaffolds, particularly those containing CuF 2 . CuF-2 shows high values of cell viability more than 87% compared to PCL. The incorporation of water-soluble compounds into 3D-printed PCL scaffolds significantly enhances their degradation profile, offering a promising strategy for improved bone regeneration applications • Fabricating highly porous 3D composite tissue engineering scaffolds was achieved. • 3D-printed PCL composite scaffolds were successfully fabricated by incorporating Cobalt Fluoride and Copper Fluoride. • Scaffolds with high Cobalt Fluoride (2 wt%) and Copper Fluoride (2 wt%) concentration have a good degradation rate. • CuF₂ scaffolds show better cell viability compared with CoF₂ and plain PCL.