Optimization of Thermal, Mechanical, Biodegradation, and Shape Memory Properties in 4D-Printed PLA/PCL Blends for Spinal Cages

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dc.authorid0000-0002-2683-560X
dc.authorid0000-0001-9670-2426
dc.authorid0000-0002-6943-9586
dc.contributor.authorEryildiz, Meltem
dc.contributor.authorKarakus, Aleyna
dc.contributor.authorDemirci, Mehmet
dc.contributor.authorKadirhan, Ozge Altintas
dc.contributor.authorAltan, Mihrigul Eksi
dc.date.accessioned2026-01-31T15:08:09Z
dc.date.available2026-01-31T15:08:09Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.departmentİstanbul Beykent Üniversitesi
dc.description.abstractSpinal fusion cages play a crucial role in stabilizing the spine and promoting bone growth in degenerative spine disorders. Recent advancements in biodegradable polymer-based cages have introduced materials with shape memory properties, enabling minimally invasive implantation and improved adaptability. This study focuses on the development of 4D-printed PLA/PCL blend spinal cages, investigating their thermal, mechanical, biodegradation, and shape memory properties, alongside surface wettability through contact angle measurements. The novelty of this study lies in identifying the optimal PLA/PCL ratio, balancing mechanical strength, biodegradability, and shape memory behavior for spinal fusion applications. The findings highlight PLA/PCL (80:20) as the most suitable composition, offering a well-balanced combination of properties. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that 20 wt% PCL enhances toughness, flexibility, and crystallinity while slightly reducing the glass transition temperature. Mechanical testing showed improved fracture behavior and elongation at this ratio, with tensile stress peaking before decreasing at higher PCL concentrations due to increased ductility. Biodegradation studies confirmed an increasing degradation rate with higher PCL content, while contact angle measurements indicated greater hydrophilicity, though this trend reversed at higher concentrations. Shape memory analysis demonstrated that as PCL content increased from 10 to 60 wt%, shape recovery decreased from 76.07% to 61.28%, while high shape fixity (96.42%-99.80%) was maintained. The PLA/PCL20 blend exhibited a 74.5% shape memory effect and a 68.75% recovery rate in the spinal cage design, making it a promising material for minimally invasive spinal fusion applications.
dc.description.sponsorshipTrkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arascedil;timath;rma Kurumu [123M748]; Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK); TUBITAK
dc.description.sponsorshipThis study was supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) under Grant Number 123M748. The authors thank TUBITAK for their support.
dc.identifier.doi10.1002/pat.70133
dc.identifier.issn1042-7147
dc.identifier.issn1099-1581
dc.identifier.issue3
dc.identifier.scopus2-s2.0-86000073750
dc.identifier.scopusqualityQ2
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org./10.1002/pat.70133
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12662/10602
dc.identifier.volume36
dc.identifier.wosWOS:001437005700001
dc.identifier.wosqualityQ2
dc.indekslendigikaynakWeb of Science
dc.indekslendigikaynakScopus
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherWiley
dc.relation.ispartofPolymers For Advanced Technologies
dc.relation.publicationcategoryMakale - Uluslararası Hakemli Dergi - Kurum Öğretim Elemanı
dc.rightsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.snmzKA_WoS_20260128
dc.subject4D printing
dc.subjectbiodegradation
dc.subjectPLA/PCL blends
dc.subjectshape memory properties
dc.subjectspinal cages
dc.titleOptimization of Thermal, Mechanical, Biodegradation, and Shape Memory Properties in 4D-Printed PLA/PCL Blends for Spinal Cages
dc.typeArticle

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