Abstract
Abstract Poly-lactic acid based biocomposite strengthened with magnesium alloy wires (Mg wires/PLA composite) is prepared for bone fixation implantation. The influence of wire content and load mode on the degradation performances of the composite and its components is studied. The result suggests the degradation of Mg wires could slow down the pH decrease originated from the degradation of PLA, while a relatively high wire content contributes to descend the degradation rate of Mg wire in the composite. Dynamic load significantly promotes the mechanical loss of the specimens. After 30 days immersion, the Sb retention is about 65%, 52% and 55%, respectively for pure PLA, the composite at 10 vol% and 20 vol% under dynamic load, comparing to 75%, 70% and 72% under no load. Moreover, dynamic load could further mitigate the degradation of Mg wires by increasing convective transport of acidic products out of the composite.
Highlights
IntroductionThe main hurdles of biodegradable polymers in service for bone fixation implants are the lack of bioactivity, inflammation induced by a significant pH decrease and the relatively low mechanical properties [2]
Biodegradable polymers, including poly-lactic acid (PLA) and poly-glycolic acid (PGA), are considered as one of the important and applicable biomaterials used for implants [1].The main hurdles of biodegradable polymers in service for bone fixation implants are the lack of bioactivity, inflammation induced by a significant pH decrease and the relatively low mechanical properties [2]
In the case of the composite, an apparent pH decrease is noticed under dynamic load during the first 10 days, as the arrow shown in Figure 2(b) and 2(c)
Summary
The main hurdles of biodegradable polymers in service for bone fixation implants are the lack of bioactivity, inflammation induced by a significant pH decrease and the relatively low mechanical properties [2]. The acidic degradation products of PLA are noticed to induce a mild inflammation response, resulting in a continuous fibrous capsule with a dense population of fibroblast-like cells around the PLLA screw implant [3]. The biodegradable polymer based composite reinforced with magnesium additives attracts huge interests [6,7,8,9]. It is reported the mechanical properties and the acidic degradation of polymers could be significantly improved with the corporation of Mg additives.
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