Nano-roughness Modification of 3D printed Poly (lactic Acid) Polymer via Alkaline Wet Etching Towards Biomedical Applications

The developments of nano-roughness surface textures are important to implement enhanced osseointegration, cell adhesion, and proliferation in polymers for biomedical applications such as tissue engineering scaffolds and orthopaedic implants. The hydrophilicity of the polymeric implants is a crucial factor for cell adhesion, which can be improved via adapting the roughness of the surface. This study explores the surface modification of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) polymer through an alkaline wet etching process, varying alkaline concentration and etching time under both room temperature and elevated conditions. The main objective is to refine the PLA surface through wet etching, altering its properties for potential use in biomedical contexts. The assessment of surface roughness is conducted through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These techniques offer a comprehensive analysis of surface topography, nanoscale roughness, and potential chemical changes resulting from the wet etching process. The nano-roughness of treated 3D printed PLA was increased by 1.4 times compared to the control 3D printed PLA. The research contributes to the broader field of biomaterial engineering, laying the groundwork for subsequent investigations that will focus on applying the derived conclusions to enhance PLA’s biocompatibility and functionality in tissue engineering and orthopaedic applications.