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Structure and properties of PLLA/β-TCP nanocomposite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

  • Biomaterials Synthesis and Characterization
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Abstract

One of the key components of tissue engineering is a scaffold with suitable morphology, outstanding mechanical properties, and favorable biocompatibility. In this study, β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) nanoparticles were synthesized and incorporated with poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) to fabricate nanocomposite scaffolds by the thermally induced phase separation method. The PLLA/β-TCP nanocomposite scaffolds showed a continuous nanofibrous PLLA matrix with strut diameters of 100–750 nm, interconnected micropores with pore diameters in the range of 0.5–10 μm, and high porosity (>92 %). β-TCP nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed in the PLLA matrix, which significantly improved the compressive modulus and protein adsorption capacity. The prepared nanocomposite scaffolds provided a suitable microenvironment for osteoblast attachment and proliferation, demonstrating the potential of the PLLA/β-TCP nanocomposite scaffolds in bone tissue engineering applications.

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Acknowledgment

The authors acknowledge the financial support from Department of Science & Technology of Shandong Province (No. 2011YD21025, ZR2014EMM014). The authors acknowledge Dr. Stephen J. Florczyk for critical revision of the manuscript and assistance with grammar.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Polymer Materials, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China

    Tao Lou, Xuejun Wang, Guojun Song, Zheng Gu & Zhen Yang

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  1. Tao Lou
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  2. Xuejun Wang
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Correspondence to Tao Lou or Xuejun Wang.

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Lou, T., Wang, X., Song, G. et al. Structure and properties of PLLA/β-TCP nanocomposite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. J Mater Sci: Mater Med 26, 34 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-014-5366-2

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