Conductive Polymer Deposition via Inkjet Printing on Electrospun Nanofiber Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering.

Abstract

In this study, we developed electroactive nanofibrous scaffolds composed of poly(l-lactide-co-d,l-lactide) (PLDL), enriched with the osteoinductive drug Osteogenon (OST) and patterned with conductive polyaniline (PANI) pathways via inkjet printing. The fabrication process combined electrospinning and precise inkjet deposition to achieve spatially controlled functionalization. Structural and chemical characterization using SEM, FTIR, DSC, and TGA confirmed the successful integration of PANI and OST into the scaffold. The modified scaffolds maintained thermal and morphological stability. In vitro studies demonstrated that the presence of PANI pathways did not hinder apatite formation in simulated body fluid (SBF), confirming their compatibility with biomineralization processes. NHOST cells adhered, proliferated, and showed enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity and mineral deposition on the PLDL/OST/PANI scaffolds, indicating osteogenic potential. The conductive modifications support the future application of direct electrical stimulation during in vitro culture to further enhance bone tissue regeneration. These findings highlight the PLDL/OST/PANI electroactive scaffolds potential as multifunctional platforms for bone tissue engineering, combining biocompatibility, bioactivity, and electroconductivity to mimic the native bioelectric environment of bone and promote its repair.