PLLA Content Research Articles

Long circulating 10-hydroxycamptothecin-loaded nanoparticles fabricated from poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(L-lactic acid) multiblock copolymers

ABSTRACTA series of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) multiblock copolymers were facilely synthesized using triphosgene as coupling agent. With the resulting multiblock copolymers, 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT)-loaded nanoparticles were successfully prepared by dialysis method. The results obtained from dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements confirmed that HCPT-loaded nanoparticles had the size of less than 200 nm and the average diameter decreased with increasing PLLA content. TEM images demonstrated that most of the drug-loaded nanoparticles had a distinct spherical shape and smooth surface without any aggregation. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images further indicated that the nanoparticles were in spherical shape with smooth surface, no drug crystal was visualized on their surface. To investigate the drug state in HCPT-loaded nanoparticles, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements were carried out. The results from these tests suggested that HCPT was molecularly dispersed in the amorphous polymer matrix. Drug loading content and in vitro drug release behavior of HCPT-loaded nanoparticles showed dependence on polymer composition. Cytotoxicity test indicated that HCPT-loaded nanoparticles exhibited greatly superior cytotoxicity compared to free HCPT due to its molecular dispersion in the polymer matrix. Furthermore, the nanoparticles significantly increased the duration of the drug in circulation. All these results demonstrated that PEG/PLLA nanoparticles have great potential as promising delivery system for poorly soluble antitumor drugs.

Long circulating 10-hydroxycamptothecin-loaded nanoparticles fabricated from poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(L-lactic acid) multi-block copolymers

ABSTRACTA series of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) multi-block copolymers were facilely synthesized using triphosgene as coupling agent. With the resulting multi-block copolymers, 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT)-loaded nanoparticles were successfully prepared by dialysis method. The results obtained from dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements confirmed that HCPT-loaded nanoparticles had the size of less than 200 nm and the average diameter decreased with increasing PLLA content. TEM images demonstrated that most of the drug-loaded nanoparticles had a distinct spherical shape and smooth surface without any aggregation. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images further indicated that the nanoparticles were in spherical shape with smooth surface, no drug crystal was visualized on their surface. To investigate the drug state in HCPT-loaded nanoparticles, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements were carried out. The results from these tests suggested that HCPT was molecularly dispersed in the amorphous polymer matrix. Drug loading content and in vitro drug release behavior of HCPT-loaded nanoparticles showed dependence on polymer composition. Cytotoxicity test indicated that HCPT-loaded nanoparticles exhibited greatly superior cytotoxicity compared to free HCPT due to its molecular dispersion in the polymer matrix. Furthermore, the nanoparticles significantly increased the duration of the drug in circulation. All these results demonstrated that PEG/PLLA nanoparticles have great potential as promising delivery system for poorly soluble antitumor drugs.

2H22 操作性・骨伝導性に優れるβ-TCP/PLLA scaffoldの作製と評価

In the field of bone regenerative medicine, the need for artificial bone substitutes has been rapidly increasing, and various porous bioactive ceramics have been developed for use as bone substitutes. While materials such as β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) have good oseteoconductivity, poly (L-lactide acid) (PLLA) has been shown to have good mechanical and physical properties. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to fabricate a porous β-TCP scaffold with a PLLA network structure (β-TCP/PLLA) for use in bone tissue engineering. The fabricated β-TCP/PLLA scaffolds were characterized by their surface micro structures and compressive moduli. The results demonstrated that the structure of the PLLA membrane, such as pore size and thickness of membrane, could be changed by varying the concentration of PLLA.

Tunable shape memory behaviors of poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) achieved by adding poly(L-lactide)

In this work, different contents of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) (20–50 wt%) were introduced into poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) (EVA) to prepare the samples with a tunable shape memory behavior. Morphological characterization demonstrated that with increasing PLLA content from 20 to 50 wt%, the blend morphology changed from sea-island structure to cocontinuous structure. In all the samples, PLLA was amorphous and it did not affect the crystallization of polyethylene part in the EVA component. The presence of PLLA greatly enhanced the storage modulus of samples, especially at relatively low temperatures. The shape memory behaviors of samples were systematically investigated and the results demonstrated that the EVA/PLLA blends exhibited a tunable shape memory effect. On one hand, PLLA accelerated the shape fixation and enhanced the fixity ratio of samples. On the other hand, PLLA reduced the dependence of shape fixity of samples on fixity temperatures. Specifically, for the first time, a critical recovery temperature was observed for the immiscible shape memory polymer blends. In this work, the critical recovery temperature was about 53 °C. At recovery temperature below the critical value, the blends exhibited smaller recovery ratios compared with the pure EVA, however, at recovery temperature above 53 °C, the blends exhibited higher recovery ratios.

Diffusion and Antibacterial Properties of Nisin-Loaded Chitosan/Poly (L-Lactic Acid) Towards Development of Active Food Packaging Film

Nisin-loaded chitosan/poly (L-lactic acid) (nisin-CS/PLLA) antimicrobial films were prepared by coating method. The structure and mechanical properties of nisin carrier CS/PLLA films were investigated, and the antibacterial behavior of nisin-CS/PLLA against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538 was assessed. Furthermore, the diffusion behaviors of nisin from films were evaluated by diffusion kinetics and thermodynamics, and the diffusion efficiency was investigated as a function of CS/PLLA ratio, pH, and ionic strength. When CS/PLLA ratio was at 1:1 (w/w) and above, a notable enhancement was observed in the tensile strength with the increase of PLLA content, while the elongation at break was decreased slightly at the same time. However, a significant decrease in tensile strength and elongation at break were present when the CS/PLLA ratio was below 1:1. There existed intermolecular hydrogen bonds between CS and PLLA molecules. The diffusion of nisin from film was strongly dependent on pH and ionic strength. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH o , ΔS o , and ΔG o ) indicated that the diffusion process of nisin from film was spontaneous and endothermic. From diffusion and antimicrobial activity results, nisin-CS/PLLA films revealed well-controlled release and better antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, which may have potential as a novel active food packaging film.

Development and characterization of a novel porous β-TCP scaffold with a three-dimensional PLLA network structure for use in bone tissue engineering

In the field of bone regenerative medicine, the need for artificial bone substitutes has been rapidly increasing, and various porous bioactive ceramics have been developed for use as bone substitutes. While materials such as β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) have good oseteoconductivity, poly (l-lactide acid) (PLLA) has been shown to have good mechanical and physical properties. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to fabricate a porous β-TCP scaffold with a PLLA network structure (β-TCP/PLLA) for use in bone tissue engineering. The fabricated β-TCP/PLLA scaffolds were characterized by their surface microstructures and compressive moduli. The results demonstrated that the structure of the PLLA membrane, such as pore size and thickness of membrane, could be changed by varying the concentration of PLLA.

Preparation of PLLA/PMMA and PLLA/PS binary blend nanoparticles by incorporation of PLLA in methyl methacrylate or styrene miniemulsion homopolymerization

Miniemulsion homopolymerization reactions of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and styrene (STY) using poly(L-lactide) as co-stabilizer were carried out in order to prepare poly(L-lactide)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PLLA/PMMA) and poly(L-lactide)/polystyrene (PLLA/PS) binary blend nanoparticles. The effect of PLLA concentration on methyl methacrylate (MMA) and styrene (STY) homopolymerization reactions was evaluated. It was found that the incorporation of PLLA resulted on acceleration of MMA and STY homopolymerization reactions and led to a molar mass increase of up to 70% for PS in PLLA/PS blend nanoparticles in relation to those prepared without PLLA, which can be attributed to an increase of reaction loci viscosity (gel effect). PLLA also acted as an efficient co-stabilizer, since it was able to retard diffusional degradation of droplets when no other kind of co-stabilizer was used. Two isolated Tgs were found in both PLLA/PMMA and PLLA/PS blend nanoparticles which can be associated to blend immiscibility. TEM images corroborate these results, suggesting that immiscible PLLA/PMMA and PLLA/PS blend nanoparticles could be formed with two segregated phases and core-shell morphology.

Fabrication and properties of poly(l‐lactide) nanofibers via blend sea‐island melt spinning

ABSTRACTPoly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) nanofibers were prepared by melt extrusion of immiscible blends of PLLA/low density polyethylene (LDPE) and subsequent removal of the LDPE matrix from the blend fibers. The effect of blends composition and draw ratio on the phase structure of the blend fibers, crystallization, mechanical properties, and the diameter of the PLLA nanofibers was investigated. It is found that the diameter of the PLLA phase gradually increases with the increase of PLLA content. With the variation of PLLA content from 50 to 60 wt %, the average diameter of acquired PLLA nanofibers changes from 119 to 153 nm under the draw ratio of 1.5. When further increasing the content of PLLA to 65%, it is difficult to acquire PLLA nanofibers due to the poor dissolving properties between PLLA and LDPE components. Oriented PLLA nanofibers with the average diameter of 92 nm can be fabricated from PLLA/LDPE (50/50, wt %) blends under the draw ratio of 2. The present results suggest that it is possible to acquire polymer nanofibers with high output using blend sea‐island melt spinning. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41228.

Full Biobased Polymeric Material from Plant Oil and Poly(lactic acid) with a Shape Memory Property

This article deals with the synthesis of biobased polymeric material with a shape memory property from epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA). PolyESO/PLLAs were synthesized by an acid-catalyzed curing of ESO in the presence of PLLA. PLLA was scarcely reacted with ESO during the reaction and was dispersed in the ESO-based polymer network. The Young’s modulus and maximum tensile stress of the polyESO/PLLA increased as the PLLA content increased. On the other hand, the strain at break of the polyESO/PLLA was larger than that of the ESO homopolymer and neat PLLA. The polyESO/PLLA exhibited excellent shape memory-recovery behaviors, and the ability depended on the feed ratio of ESO and PLLA. Because the present materials are prepared from renewable resources by a simple preparation method, this study is highly significant to provide biobased intelligent materials.

Formation of banded and non-banded poly(l-lactic acid) spherulites during crystallization of films of poly(l-lactic acid)/poly(ethylene oxide) blends

In this study, a series of poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blends with different PLLA concentrations was prepared. Films of these blends crystallized with and without a coverslip were characterized by the presence and absence of banded structures, respectively. This difference in morphology was observed because the PEO component of the blends was oxidized at a high temperature (125 °C) in air without the protection of a coverslip. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results showed that the surface of the blends crystallized in nitrogen without a coverslip contained mostly PLLA while the surfaces of the same blends crystallized under a coverslip contained only a moderately higher concentration of PLLA than their bulks. The migration of PLLA to the surface of the blends during crystallization in nitrogen when no coverslip was used was due to its low surface tension. Phase images obtained using atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicated that the banded structures consisted of valleys and ridges, which were in fact flat-on and edge-on lamellae, respectively. A detailed time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) examination suggested that PLLA and PEO were located mainly on the surfaces of the ridges and valleys, respectively.

Bioresource-based blends of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) and stereocomplex polylactide with improved rheological and mechanical properties and enzymatic hydrolysis

Novel bioresource-based blends of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P34HB) and stereocomplex polylactide (sc-PLA) were prepared herein via a simple melt blending method at various sc-PLA loadings at the temperature above the melting points of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(D-lactide) (PDLA), and much lower than that of sc-PLA. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry results verified that complete stereocomplex crystallites without any evidence of the formation of homocrystallites in the P34HB melt could be achieved. Scanning electron microscopy observation indicated that sc-PLA was nicely dispersed in the P34HB matrix as spherical particles; the dispersed size of the sc-PLA did not display a pronounced increase with an increase in the content of PLLA and PDLA. As solid fillers, sc-PLA could reinforce the P34HB matrix in a relatively wider temperature region. Accordingly, the rheological and mechanical properties of P34HB were greatly improved after blending with sc-PLA, particularly when a percolation network structure of spherical filler (a characteristic solid or gel-like structure) had formed in the blends. Moreover, the most intriguing result was that the enzymatic hydrolysis rates had been clearly enhanced in the P34HB/sc-PLA blends than that in the neat P34HB, which may be of significant use and importance for the wider practical application of biosourced P34HB. The erosion mechanism of the neat P34HB and the P34HB/sc-PLA blends was discussed further.

Preparation of three-dimensional scaffolds by using solid freeform fabrication and feasibility study of the scaffolds.

To adapt biomaterials for solid freeform fabrication (SFF), methoxy polyethylene glycol (MPEG)-(PLLA-co-PCL) (LxCy) block copolymers were prepared using MPEG as the initiator to precisely control the molecular weight of PLLA and PCL. The LxCy block copolymers were designed such that the PLLA and PCL content varied and their molecular weights were within 200-1000 kDa. The cylindrical LxCy scaffolds were prepared by using LxCy block copolymers in SFF. The feasibility of using LxCy block copolymers was examined in terms of flowability from the micronozzle and solidification at room temperature after scaffold printing. The flowability and solidification of LxCy block copolymers mainly depend on the proportions of PLLA and PCL. Fabrication of the cylindrical LxCy scaffolds by using SFF was rapid and showed high reproducibility. In in vivo implantation, the cylindrical LxCy scaffolds exhibited biocompatibility and gradual biodegradation on a 16 week timescale. Immunohistochemical characterization showed that the in vivo LxCy scaffolds elicit only a modest inflammatory response. Taken together, these results show that LxCy block copolymers may serve as suitable biomaterials for the fabrication of well-defined three-dimensional scaffolds by using SFF.

Double-crystalline PLLA-b-PVDF-b-PLLA triblock copolymers: preparation and crystallization

Double-crystalline poly(L-lactide)-block-poly(vinylidene fluoride)-block-poly(L-lactide) (PLLA-b-PVDF-b-PLLA) triblock copolymers were successfully synthesized through ring opening polymerization of L-lactide and benzoyl peroxide initiated polymerization of vinylidene fluoride, followed by copper(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne coupling of the functionalized PLLA and PVDF. Three triblock copolymers with different block ratios were prepared via this synthetic approach. The block copolymers were miscible in the melt, and an alternating crystalline lamellar nanostructure was formed upon crystallization from the homogeneous melt. Crystallization behavior of the PLLA component depends strongly on the block composition. The crystallization temperature of the lower temperature crystallizing PLLA block increased considerably with respect to its parent homopolymer for rather symmetric block copolymers, indicating a strong nucleation effect, while on the other hand asymmetric block copolymers with low PLLA content demonstrated a large decrease of crystallization temperature, due to a fractionated crystallization process. A confined crystallization mechanism for the PLLA blocks was suggested, indicated by the low degree of crystallization compared to the respective homopolymers, and confirmed by microstructure analysis performed during isothermal crystallization. Contrary to PLLA, crystallization of the higher temperature crystallizing PVDF component within the block copolymer was not influenced by the block composition and similar crystallization behavior was observed with respect to PVDF homopolymers.

Co-electrospun gelatin-poly(l-lactic acid) scaffolds: Modulation of mechanical properties and chondrocyte response as a function of composition

Bio-synthetic scaffolds of interspersed poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) and gelatin (GEL) fibers are fabricated by co-electrospinning. Tailored PLLA/GEL compositions are obtained and GEL crosslinking with genipin provides for the maintenance of good fiber morphology. Scaffold tensile mechanical properties are intermediate between those of pure PLLA and GEL and vary as a function of PLLA content. Primary human chondrocytes grown on the scaffolds exhibit good proliferation and increased values of the differentiation parameters, especially for intermediate PLLA/GEL compositions. Mineralization tests enable the deposition of a uniform layer of poorly crystalline apatite onto the scaffolds, suggesting potential applications involving cartilage as well as cartilage–bone interface tissue engineering.

Effect of Synthesis Parameters on Size of the Biodegradable Poly (L-Lactide) (PLLA) Microspheres

In this work, PLLA microspheres were prepared via emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Several synthesis parameters were studied to evaluate their effect on the size of PLLA microspheres. PLLA pallets before emulsion and PLLA microspheres surface chemistry after emulsion were determined using Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR). Results showed that PLLA pallets and microspheres FTIR obtained an identical spectrum. Microspheres size and surface morphology were determined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). In conclusion, the parameters that significantly affect the size of PLLA microspheres were PLLA concentration, DCM to water volume ratio, PVA concentration and stirring speed. PVA molecular weight variation showed no significant change in microspheres size.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of porous PCL-PLLA 3D polymer scaffolds fabricated via salt leaching method for bone tissue engineering applications

Three dimensional porous scaffolds composed of various ratios of polycaprolactone and poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) were prepared using salt leaching method for bone regeneration applications. Surfaces of the scaffolds were visualized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the combination of the polymers was confirmed by FT-IR. Addition of PLLA increased the porosity and pore sizes of the scaffolds and also the scaffolds’ compressive strength initially. Osteoblast-like cells were used and it was found that the samples’ cell biocompatibility was further promoted with the increase in PLLA content as observed via cell proliferation assays using MTT, gene expression with RT-PCR, and micrographs from SEM and confocal microscopy. Samples were then implanted into male rabbits for 2 months, and histological staining and micro-CT histomorphometry show that new bone formations were detected in the site containing the implants of the scaffolds and that bone regeneration was further promoted with the increased concentration of PLLA in the scaffold.

EFFECT OF STEREOCOMPLEX FORMATION IN D-LACTIDE-CONTAINING PLLA ON THERMAL BEHAVIORS AND MECHANICAL PROPERTY CHANGES USING THE AGEING DEGRADATION TEST

Introduction: The formation of a stereocomplex between PLLA and PDLA has been studied intensively because it increases the mechanical performance and thermal/hydrolytic resistance of polylactide-based materials; however, few studies have investigated the stereocomplex formation between PLLA and the (D-lactide)-containing PLLA copolymer. To investigate the effect of the D-lactide content of PLLA on the thermal behaviors and mechanical properties, (5D/95L) polylactide [(5D/95L)PLA], which contains a molar ratio of 5% of the D-form and 95% of the L-form of the monomer, and (15D/85L) polylactide [(15D/85L)PLA], which contains a molar ratio of 15% of the D-form and 85% of the L-form of the monomer, were used in a series of specimens. For the hydrolytic degradation test, the specimens were placed in 20-mL vials, which were filled with phosphate-buffered solution; the vials were allowed to stand at 57°C for 91 days in accordance with the ASTM F1635-95 (2000) standard test method for in vitro studies. The mechanical properties, thermal properties and crystallization behaviors were investigated using DSC and MTS, respectively. Results: The initial bending strength of the (5D/95L)PLA and (15D/85L)PLA were 35.4 and 31.1 N, respectively. After 1 week, the binding strength of the (5D/95L)PLA increased by 9.8%, and the binding strength of the (15D/85L)PLA decreased by 26%. In addition, the DSC curve of the (5D/95L)PLA demonstrated a higher melting temperature in the 1st week, and this Tc was observed in the DSC curve of the (5D/95L)PLA only during this time. The DSC curve of the (15D/85L)PLA was irregular. Discussion & Conclusions: In the (5D/95L)PLA, the recrystallization that occurred during the hydrolysis process was confirmed by the Tc and the increase in the bending strength. The stereocomplex crystallites may be formed in the (15D/85L)PLA during the degradation process. Because of the increase in the D-form monomer, the stereocomplexes were generated more easily and acted as nucleation sites. The PLLA crystal near the stereocomplex crystallites exhibited an incomplete structure, which led to a faster decrease in the bending strength. The low D-lactide content in the matrix of the PLLA did not form a stereocomplex crystallite because the surface area was not large enough to act as a nucleation site. However, the higher D-lactide-containing fraction formed a large stereocomplex crystallite. The (5D/95L)PLA demonstrated better thermal/hydrolytic resistance and mechanical stability than the (15D/85L)PLA.

Effects of gamma irradiation on the crystallization, thermal and mechanical properties of poly(l-lactic acid)/ethylene-co-vinyl acetate blends

Poly(l-lactic acid)/ethylene vinyl acetate polymer blends (PLLA/EVA) with various blend ratios were prepared through melt blending process. The structural-property behavior of the polymer blends before and after they had been exposed to gamma irradiation was investigated. The hydrolytic degradation was investigated. The interfacial interaction between PLLA and EVA was visualized by Mechanical testing and FTIR. The crystallization behaviors of the blends were investigated by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the thermal stability was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that the hydrolytic degradation rate of PLLA/EVA blend can be widely controlled by exposing the PLLA/EVA to gamma-irradiation and also by EVA content. In alkaline solution, the hydrolytic degradation rate of the blends exposed 100 kGy and whose EVA content is higher than 50 wt% was decelerated while the rate of the unirradiated blends whose EVA content is lower than 20 wt% was accelerated. The tensile strength and modulus of the PLLA–EVA blend were increased by increasing PLLA content in the polymer blends and irradiation dose. FTIR spectra showed that some modifications occurred, after they had been exposed to gamma irradiation. The crystallization behavior was studied with differential scanning calorimetry and the composition-dependent changed of degree of crystallinity (Xc) of the PLLA phase indicated that PLLA and EVA were immiscible over the composition range investigated. However, there is a sharp decrease in the crystallinity with increasing EVA and irradiation dose. The TGA thermograms showed that the irradiated blends were less thermally stable than the unirradiated blends, at higher temperatures, the opposite situation was seen.

Influence of the solvent type on the morphology and mechanical properties of electrospun PLLA yarns

An electrospinning technique based on the use of two oppositely charged nozzles was applied to fabricate continuous twisted yarns of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) nano/micro fibers. In this study, the effect of solvent on the electrospinning of PLLA fibrous yarns was investigated. For this purpose, yarns were electrospun using chloroform, dichloromethane or 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol as solvents at a PLLA concentration of 7 wt%. The analysis of the morphology, diameter, crystallinity and mechanical properties of electrospun yarns revealed that the vapor pressure of the solvent plays an important role. Whereas the fiber diameter decreased, the crystallinity of the fibers increased using a solvent with lower vapor pressure. In addition, mechanical properties (e.g., tensile strength and modulus) revealed that the yarns composed of fibers with smaller diameters showed higher tensile strength and modulus. In summary, fine-tuning solvent properties resulted in a modulation of fiber diameter, crystallinity, and thereby yarn mechanical properties, and are important factors to consider in the fabrication and application of electrospun yarns.

Enhanced sintering ability of biphasic calcium phosphate by polymers used for bone scaffold fabrication

Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), which is composed of hydroxyapatite [HAP, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] and β-tricalcium phosphate [β-TCP, β-Ca3(PO4)2], is usually difficult to densify into a solid state with selective laser sintering (SLS) due to the short sintering time. In this study, the sintering ability of BCP ceramics was significantly improved by adding a small amount of polymers, by which a liquid phase was introduced during the sintering process. The effects of the polymer content, laser power and HAP/β-TCP ratios on the microstructure, chemical composition and mechanical properties of the BCP scaffolds were investigated. The results showed that the BCP scaffolds became increasingly more compact with the increase of the poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) content (0–1wt.%) and laser power (6–10W). The fracture toughness and micro-hardness of the sintered scaffolds were also improved. Moreover, PLLA could be gradually decomposed in the late sintering stages and eliminated from the final BCP scaffolds if the PLLA content was below a certain value (approximately 1wt.% in this case). The added PLLA could not be completely eliminated when its content was further increased to 1.5wt.% or higher because an unexpected carbon phase was detected in the sintered scaffolds. Furthermore, many pores were observed due to the removal of PLLA. Micro-cracks and micro-pores occurred when the laser power was too high (12W). These defects resulted in a deterioration of the mechanical properties. The hardness and fracture toughness reached maximum values of 490.3±10HV and 1.72±0.10MPam1/2, respectively, with a PLLA content of approximately 1wt.% and laser power of approximately 10W. Poly(l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) showed similar effects on the sintering process of BCP ceramics. Rectangular, porous BCP scaffolds were fabricated based on the optimum values of the polymer content and laser power. This work may provide an experimental basis for improving the mechanical properties of BCP bone scaffolds fabricated with SLS.