Antibacterial and Bioactive 3D‐Printed Hexagonal Boron Nitride Incorporated Gelatin/Methyl Cellulose Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications

ABSTRACT In this study, we fabricated 3D‐printed scaffolds based on gelatin (GEL), methylcellulose (MC), and varying concentrations of hexagonal boron nitride h‐BN nanoplatelets. The GEL/MC/BN hydrogel inks were prepared with optimized rheological properties for extrusion‐based 3D printing and chemically crosslinked using EDC/NHS. The printability, pore fidelity, and strut geometry of the scaffolds were characterized, revealing consistent architectures with adequate mechanical robustness. FTIR, swelling behavior, degradation, and contact angle measurements demonstrated successful h‐BN nanoplatelet incorporation and favorable hydrogel network stability. Mechanical tests indicated that h‐BN nanoplatelet addition preserved the compressive modulus and flexibility. In vitro assays using MC3T3‐E1 pre‐osteoblasts demonstrated that the scaffolds supported % cell viability and proliferation. Remarkably, h‐BN nanoplatelet incorporation triggered calcium phosphate formation both in SBF and Alizarin Red staining studies. FTIR and SEM‐EDS analysis demonstrated that apatite formation was triggered with h‐BN. Apatite formation is possibly due to the negative charge of h‐BN nanoplatelets in the medium which triggered calcium phosphate deposition. Antibacterial testing against Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Staphylococcus aureus revealed a significant, species‐specific bactericidal effect at ≥5% BN content, especially against Gram‐negative strains. Overall, these findings indicate the potential of h‐BN‐incorporated GEL/MC scaffolds as a promising platform for infection‐resistant, cytocompatible, and structurally stable bone grafts.