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Mechanical strength of ceramic scaffolds reinforced with biopolymers is comparable to that of human bone

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Abstract

Eight groups of calcium-phosphate scaffolds for bone implantation were prepared of which seven were reinforced with biopolymers, poly lactic acid (PLA) or hyaluronic acid in different concentrations in order to increase the mechanical strength, without significantly impairing the microarchitecture. Controls were un-reinforced calcium-phosphate scaffolds. Microarchitectural properties were quantified using micro-CT scanning. Mechanical properties were evaluated by destructive compression testing. Results showed that adding 10 or 15% PLA to the scaffold significantly increased the mechanical strength. The increase in mechanical strength was seen as a result of increased scaffold thickness and changes to plate-like structure. However, the porosity was significantly lowered as a consequence of adding 15% PLA, whereas adding 10% PLA had no significant effect on porosity. Hyaluronic acid had no significant effect on mechanical strength. The novel composite scaffold is comparable to that of human bone which may be suitable for transplantation in specific weight-bearing situations, such as long bone repair.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by The Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation through the project “3D-Scaffolds”. Project reference: 07-002634—3D-Scaffolds—Biomimetic 3D—structures for tissue regeneration.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Odense University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Sdr. Boulevard 29, 5000, Odense C, Denmark

    S. S. Henriksen, M. Ding & S. Overgaard

  2. Centre for Plastics Technology/Medical Devices, Danish Technological Institute, Gregersensvej 7, 2630, Taastrup, Denmark

    M. Vinther Juhl & N. Theilgaard

Authors
  1. S. S. Henriksen
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  2. M. Ding
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  3. M. Vinther Juhl
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  4. N. Theilgaard
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  5. S. Overgaard
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Correspondence to S. S. Henriksen.

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Henriksen, S.S., Ding, M., Vinther Juhl, M. et al. Mechanical strength of ceramic scaffolds reinforced with biopolymers is comparable to that of human bone. J Mater Sci: Mater Med 22, 1111–1118 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-011-4290-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-011-4290-y

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