Biomimetic synthesis of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes/apatite composite membranes

Abstract

Bioactive guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membrane has had some success for periodontal therapy. In this study, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) composite membranes were incu- bated in three supersaturated calcification solutions (SCS) of different pH values for 21 days to prepare a PLGA/ MWNTs/apatite composite. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), water contact angle measurement and mechanical testing were used for characterization. It was found that after 21 days incubation, apatite with low crystallite size and crystallinity was formed on the PLGA/MWNTs composite membranes. The Ca-poor carbapatite was similar in morphology and compo- sition to that of natural bone. The size and shape of the apatite crystals immersed in three SCS were different from each other. The hydrophilicity and mechanical properties of the PLGA/MWNTs composite membranes were significantly enhanced after mineralization. This indicated that biomimetic mineralization may be an effective method to improve the biocompatibility and bone inductivity of certain materials. The PLGA/MWNTs/apatite composites may be potentially use- ful in GTR applications, particularly as GTR membranes for periodontal tissue regeneration.