Physical Characteristics and Biocompatibility of 3D-printed Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Membranes with Different Lactic-to-Glycolic Acid Ratios for Guided Bone Regeneration: A Comparative Study

Aims To fabricate 3-dimensional (3D)-printed resorbable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) membranes for guided bone regeneration (GBR). Physical and biological properties of the membranes with varying lactic acid (LA)-to-glycolic acid (GA) ratios were evaluated to determine the optimal PLGA composition for membrane production. Materials and Methods PLGA membranes were fabricated using a 3D printer and categorised into 3 groups: Group A (50:50), Group B (70:30) and Group C (85:15). The membranes’ microarchitecture was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and their surface wettability, mechanical properties and degradation behaviours were evaluated. Crystalline structures were analysed using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and thermal properties were assessed with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Fibroblast and osteoblast viability and proliferation on the membranes were measured using SEM, fluorescein diacetate staining and PrestoBlue assay. Osteogenic differentiation was determined through alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red (AR) staining. Results SEM images revealed distinct microscopic characteristics of the membranes: rough upper and smooth lower surfaces. Furthermore, greater amounts of LA resulted in high melting temperatures and increased crystallinity in the PLGA membranes. All membranes displayed hydrophilic surfaces, with water contact angles below 90 degrees. Group C membranes exhibited the greatest mechanical strength, whereas group A degraded faster and generated more acidic by-products than the other groups. Osteoblasts and fibroblasts that were seeded on all membrane groups proliferated during the first week. By day 14, only Group C showed continued cell growth, whereas cell growth declined in the others. Group C also demonstrated superior osteogenic differentiation after 21 days. All membranes were effective in inhibiting the penetration of fibroblasts through their structure. Conclusion Overall, the 85:15 (LA:GA) PLGA membrane demonstrated key properties required for GBR, including adequate strength, suitable degradation behaviour and biocompatibility.