<scp>3D</scp> Printed <scp>PLA</scp> Scaffolds Modified With Chitosan‐Based Electrospun Nanofibers for Biomimetic Mineralization and Antimicrobial Efficacy

ABSTRACT Polylactic acid (PLA) is a promising biomaterial for orthopedic implants because of its excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties. However, its biologically inactive surface limits its clinical applicability. To address this issue, we report a 3D printed PLA scaffold modified with chitosan‐based electrospun nanofibers (CH) by combining the advantages of 3D printing and electrospinning. FE‐SEM analysis confirms the coating of electrospun nanofibers on PLA scaffolds. An acellular biomineralization study has been performed to evaluate the efficiency of the developed scaffolds to promote hydroxyapatite crystals deposition. The PLA scaffold coated with CH electrospun nanofibers shows significant deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of the modified scaffolds has been evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli , where CH electrospun nanofibers modified scaffolds show significant antimicrobial activity. XRD analysis confirms the hydroxyapatite crystal formation in the (121) plane. Here, NH 2 groups of chitosan on the scaffolds act as nucleation sites for calcium phosphate deposition. ATR‐FTIR analysis reveals that these hydroxyapatite crystals have a carbonated nature resembling biological apatite. Flower‐like morphology of deposited hydroxyapatite is confirmed by FE‐SEM. This study highlights the critical role of PLA surface chemistry in imitating the biomineralization process in vitro and demonstrates the potential of these scaffolds in bone tissue regeneration.