Phytochemical-incorporated 3D-printed polylactic acid–starch composite scaffolds for localised breast cancer therapy: fabrication, physicochemical characterisation, and preliminary biological evaluation

The loading of BME was evaluated independently by UV–Vis spectrophotometry and HPLC, revealing a strong correlation between the two methods. The BME-impregnated scaffold demonstrated decreased compressive rigidity and a biphasic release pattern, with kinetic evaluation suggesting diffusion-related release characteristics. GC–MS analysis disclosed a varied phytochemical profile of BME.

Significantly, scaffold-released BME exhibited lethal effects against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner, while preserving relatively good viability in Vero cells. The scaffold also shown antibacterial properties against <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>. These results confirm the PLA–starch–BME scaffold as a viable proof-of-concept system for localised phytochemical administration, but more release studies, mechanistic analyses, and <i>in vivo</i> assessments are necessary to validate its therapeutic potential.</p>