Phytochemical-incorporated 3D-printed polylactic acid–starch composite scaffolds for localised breast cancer therapy: fabrication, physicochemical characterisation, and preliminary biological evaluation

Recurrence of locoregional tumours after breast-conserving surgery presents a considerable obstacle, underscoring the necessity for targeted treatment approaches that minimise systemic exposure. This research involved the creation of a biodegradable, dual-purpose scaffold by integrating Momordica charantia ethanol extract (BME) into a 3D-printed polylactic acid–starch (PLA–starch) composite produced by fused deposition modelling (FDM). The scaffold underwent a thorough assessment of its physicochemical properties, mechanical performance, phytochemical incorporation, release dynamics, and initial biological efficacy. Spectroscopic and diffraction examinations corroborated the connections between BME and the polymer matrix, whilst morphological and thermal assessments indicated effective integration without undermining the structural integrity necessary for processing. The loading of BME was evaluated independently by UV–Vis spectrophotometry and HPLC, revealing a strong correlation between the two methods. The BME-impregnated scaffold demonstrated decreased compressive rigidity and a biphasic release pattern, with kinetic evaluation suggesting diffusion-related release characteristics. GC–MS analysis disclosed a varied phytochemical profile of BME. Significantly, scaffold-released BME exhibited lethal effects against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner, while preserving relatively good viability in Vero cells. The scaffold also shown antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. These results confirm the PLA–starch–BME scaffold as a viable proof-of-concept system for localised phytochemical administration, but more release studies, mechanistic analyses, and in vivo assessments are necessary to validate its therapeutic potential.