Model Composites Based on Poly(lactic acid) and Bioactive Glass Fillers for Bone Regeneration.

Xavier Lacambra-Andreu,Abderrahim Maazouz,Jean-Marc Chenal,Khalid Lamnawar,Sylvain Meille,Marlin Magallanes-Perdomo,Nora Dergham,Jérôme Chevalier

doi:10.3390/polym13172991

Abstract

Poly(l-lactide-co-d,l-lactide) PDLA/45S5 Bioglass® (BG) composites for medical devices were developed using an original approach based on a thermal treatment of BG prior to processing. The aim of the present work is to gain a fundamental understanding of the relationships between the morphology, processing conditions and final properties of these biomaterials. A rheological study was performed to evaluate and model the PDLA/BG degradation during processing. The filler contents, as well as their thermal treatments, were investigated. The degradation of PDLA was also investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and mechanical characterization. The results highlight the value of thermally treating the BG in order to control the degradation of the polymer during the process. The present work provides a guideline for obtaining composites with a well-controlled particle dispersion, optimized mechanical properties and limited degradation of the PDLA matrix.

Highlights

Among the latest generation of biomedical grade composites, some combine inorganic fillers and a polyester matrix in order to obtain osteoinductive and resorbable materials [1]
Process monitoring makes it possible to quantify the PDLA degradation; thermal treatment, particle size and BG content influence the maximum torque measured during the extrusion process
Morphological Studies The morphology of the neat Bioglass® samples was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

Summary

Introduction

Among the latest generation of biomedical grade composites, some combine inorganic fillers and a polyester matrix in order to obtain osteoinductive and resorbable materials [1]. These composites can present tunable mechanical properties depending on the nature and fraction of the inorganic and organic phases and their physicochemical interactions. In particular their Young’s modulus can be tailored to fit with those of cancellous [2] or cortical bone [3]. The mechanism of bonding to bone has been previously described in the literature [7]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion