Copper oxide inclusions were incorporated in polymer matrix (polycarbonate/PC/, polyetheretherketone/PEEK/etc.) during selective laser melting process. The aim of this study was to observe the cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects of the copper oxide nanoparticles on a culture of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells after 3D laser bioprinting. The matrices of polymer coated Cu/CuO nanoparticles (<100 nm) were investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The viable cells were counted using light microscopy. It was determined that Cu/CuO nanoparticles have a strong toxic effect on PC matrix unlike background high biocompatible PEEK matrix, which smoothes apoptotic effect. We also discuss the implications of our findings regarding the effects of the intrinsic toxic properties of Cu/CuO nanoparticles, and concluded that the apparent toxicities of metal oxide NPs can largely be understood as a matter of particle toxicity.
