In this work, composite membranes were investigated as future components of a layered implant for the reconstruction of nasal septum. Incorporation of zinc ions into nasal implants could potentially provide antibacterial properties to decrease or eliminate bacterial infections and subsequent surgical complications. Two types of membranes were prepared using an electrospinning method: PCL with bioglass and PCL with bioglass doped with Zn. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of bioglass addition on the morphology, fiber diameter and composition of the membranes. The apatite-forming ability was examined in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF). The cytotoxicity of the membranes, ALP activity and in vitro mineralization were evaluated in cell culture. The mineralization and ALP activity was higher for polycaprolactone membranes modified with Zn doped bioglass than compared to pure PCL membranes or control material. The results proved that the presence of Zn²⁺ in the electrospun membranes = influence the osteogenic differentiation of cells.

A novel bi-layered scaffold, obtained via 3D printing and electrospinning, was designed to improve osteochondral region reconstruction. The upper electrospun membrane will act as a barrier against unwanted tissue infiltration, while the lower 3D-printed layer will provide a porous structure for tissue ingrowth. Graphene was integrated into the scaffold for its antibacterial properties, and the drug Osteogenon^® (OST) was added to promote bone tissue regeneration. The composite scaffolds were subjected to comprehensive physical, thermal, and mechanical evaluations. Additionally, their biological functionality was assessed by means of NHAC-kn cells. The 0.5% graphene addition to PCL significantly increased strain at break, enhancing the material ductility. GNP also acted as an effective nucleating agent, raising crystallization temperatures and supporting mineralization. The high surface area of graphene facilitated rapid apatite formation by attracting calcium and phosphate ions. This was confirmed by FTIR, µCT and SEM analyses, which highlighted the positive impact of graphene on mineral deposition. The synergistic interaction between graphene nanoplatelets and Osteogenon^® created a bioactive environment that enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation, and promoted superior apatite formation. These findings highlight the scaffold’s potential as a promising biomaterial for osteochondral repair and regenerative medicine.

The use of scaffolds for osteochondral tissue regeneration requires an appropriate selection of materials and manufacturing techniques that provide the basis for supporting both cartilage and bone tissue formation. As scaffolds are designed to replicate a part of the replaced tissue and ensure cell growth and differentiation, implantable materials have to meet various biological requirements, e.g., biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical properties. Osteoconductive materials such as tricalcium phosphate ceramics and some biodegradable polymers appear to be a perfect choice. The present work evaluates the structural, mechanical, thermal, and functional properties of a shape memory terpolymer modified with β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). A new approach is using the developed materials for 4D printing, with a particular focus on its applicability in manufacturing medical implants. In this study, the manufacturing parameters of the scaffold components were developed. The scaffolds were examined via scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and mechanical testing. The cytotoxicity result was obtained with an MTT assay, and the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured. The structural and microstructural investigations confirmed the integration of β-TCP into the filament matrix and scaffolds. Thermal stability was enhanced as β-TCP delayed depolymerization of the polymer matrix. The shape memory studies demonstrated effective recovery. The in vitro cell culture studies revealed the significantly increased cell viability and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of the β-TCP-modified terpolymer after 3 weeks. The developed terpolymer can be tailored for applications in which partial shape recovery is acceptable, such as bone scaffolds.

This study consisted of the injection molding simulation of polycaprolactone (PCL)-based nanocomposites reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for biomedical implant manufacturing. The simulation was additionally supported by experimental validation. The influence of varying MWCNT concentrations (0.5%, 5%, and 10% by weight) on key injection molding parameters, i.e., melt flow behavior, pressure distribution, temperature profiles, and fiber orientation, was analyzed with SolidWorks Plastics software. The results proved the low CNT content (0.5 wt.%) to be endowed with stable filling times, complete mold cavity filling, and minimal frozen regions. Thus, this formulation produced defect-free modular filament sticks suitable for subsequent 3D printing. In contrast, higher CNT loadings (particularly 10 wt.%) led to longer fill times, incomplete cavity filling, and early solidification due to increased melt viscosity and thermal conductivity. Experimental molding trials with the 0.5 wt.% CNT composites confirmed the simulation findings. Following minor adjustments to processing parameters, high-quality, defect-free sticks were produced. Overall, the PCL/MWCNT composites with 0.5 wt.% nanotube content exhibited optimal injection molding performance and functional properties, supporting their application in modular, patient-specific biomedical 3D printing.