Evaluation of unidirectional BGF/PLA and Mg/PLA biodegradable composites bone plates-scaffolds assembly for critical segmental fractures healing

Abstract

This novel study presents the application of biodegradable bio-glass fibers (BGF)/polylactic acid (PLA) composite and magnesium (Mg) wires (fluoride-coated)/PLA composite bone plates, and stainless steel (SS) bone plate were assembled with PLA and titanium scaffolds (40%, 60%, 80% porous and functionally graded porous) to investigate the healing of critical segmental fractures. BGF/PLA composite bone plate (Young’s modulus 27.45 GPa) exhibited a high degradation rate that favored the healing for the first three weeks but poor final healing, however, the fluoride-coated Mg/PLA (Young’s modulus 13.27 GPa) composite bone plate showed lower degradation rate with enhanced final healing. About the calluses' healing status in case of fluoride-coated Mg/PLA composite bone plate, the average Young’s modulus of tissue phenotypes was 10.61%, 35.95%, and 20.16% higher with 80%, 60%, and 40% porous scaffolds, respectively, in comparison with the worst case of SS bone plate on day 60. These results revealed the potential applications of biodegradable composites in healing of critical bone fractures.