Publication: 3d-printed pla scaffolds coated with chitosan–alginate hybrid for lead ion removal From aqueous solutions
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Date
2025-08
Authors
Muhammad Shamin Shafiq bin Abdul Wahab
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Abstract
The global water crisis is increasingly exacerbated by heavy metal contamination, particularly lead (Pb²⁺), which poses serious risks due to its toxicity
and persistence. Conventional removal methods are often costly, inefficient, and environmentally unsustainable. This research aims to design, and fabricate a novel 3D- printed bio-inspired composite scaffold utilizing chitosan-alginate coatings on polylactic acid (PLA) for enhanced heavy metal adsorption. This research presents a novel 3D-printed bio-inspired scaffold for enhanced Pb²⁺ adsorption, utilizing chitosan–alginate coatings on polylactic acid (PLA) frameworks. The scaffolds were fabricated using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and treated with 1M NaOH prior to dip-coating with chitosan–alginate solutions in a 1:1 ratio. Surface characterization via SEM, FTIR, and zeta potential analysis confirmed uniform coating (164.2 ± 5 μm), presence of functional groups, and a stable negative surface charge (-29.7 mV). Batch adsorption tests using 100 mg/L Pb²⁺ solutions showed a maximum adsorption capacity of 77.52 mg/g with 92.93% removal efficiency. Kinetic modeling indicated pseudo-second-order behavior (R² ≈ 0.9919), suggesting chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. This research shown the potential of 3D-printed, biopolymer-
coated scaffolds as efficient, sustainable adsorbents. This research demonstrates the potential of 3D-printed, biopolymer-coated scaffolds as efficient, sustainable adsorbents. The findings offer insights into polyelectrolyte complexation and provide a scalable platform for future water purification technologies.
threat of heavy metal pollution is becoming increasingly serious and poses a threat to
human health and the natural environment (Vidu et al., 2020). The sources of the