Modulation, functionality, and cytocompatibility of three-dimensional printing materials made from chitosan-based polysaccharide composites

• Novel composites are presented for the fabrication of 3D printing strips.
• Modified PLA and CS composites exhibited better mechanical properties.
• The PLA and chitosan composites facilitated excellent cell viability production.
• The composites displayed good antibacterial behavior.

The mechanical properties, cytocompatibility, and fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) printing strips of composite materials containing polylactide (PLA) and chitosan (CS) were evaluated. Maleic anhydride-grafted polylactide (PLA-g-MA) and CS were used to enhance the desired characteristics of these composites. The PLA-g-MA/CS materials exhibited better mechanical properties than the PLA/CS composites; this effect was attributed to a greater compatibility between the grafted polyester and CS. The water resistance of the PLA-g-MA/CS composites was greater than that of the PLA/CS composites; cytocompatibility evaluation with human foreskin fibroblasts (FBs) indicated that both materials were nontoxic. Moreover, CS enhanced the antibacterial activity properties of PLA-g-MA and PLA/CS composites.

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