Biowastes Processed Hydroxyapatite filled Poly (Lactic acid) Bio-Composite for Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Small Bones

Abstract

The principal function of bone tissue repair is to settle the fractured bone in order to enable fast healing to return quick mending and full functionality of the injured extremity. The metallic fixation devices are having many problems like stress shielding, palpability and temperature sensitivity etc. Therefore, resorbable systems gained interest as they avoid removal and improve bone remodelling due to lack of stress shielding. In the present paper, bio composite material consisting of hydroxyapatite (bioactive) and poly lactic acid (biodegradable) was researched for bone tissue repair. Weight percentage of Hydroxyapatite is prepared from fish scales biowastes, which is filled in to PLA matrix to make PLA/HAp bio-composite. Hydroxyapatite is differed up to 20% and among that, optimum thermal and mechanical properties are achieved at 15%. Various microstructural, mechanical and thermal properties are evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, contact angle measurement, X-Ray diffractometer, differential scanning calorimeter analysis and mechanical properties. Later bioactivity was tested in Invitro using simulated body fluid. From this study, it was observed that PLA/HAp bio-composite possess greater potential towards open reduction internal fixation devices for bone fracture repairs.