Scaffolds modified with graphene as future implants for nasal cartilage

In this study, a 3D printing process was used to fabricate antibacterial polycaprolactone/graphene scaffolds using short filament sticks. The first part of the work focused on the manufacture of a strong and flexible filament, in the form of sticks for use in the existing FDM system without any hardware or software modification. New filament materials, which can be connected together, containing graphene nanoplatelets have been prepared at three levels of concentration: 0.5, 5 and 10 wt%. The PCL and graphene were processed into filaments using injection molding, and their morphology, FTIR, WAXS, ultrasonic wave propagation, and mechanical properties were measured. WAXS and ultrasonic tests confirmed the even distribution of graphene powder in the sample modified with 0.5 wt% of graphene. The presence of graphene in the samples improved their mechanical properties; however, 10 wt% of addition did not produce further tensile strength enhancement. The filaments were successfully tested in a commercially available 3D printer to evaluate their capacity to produce printed scaffolds for nasal cartilage replacement. Initial cell culture study has shown that printed scaffolds support the proliferation of chondrocytes.