Pliable polylactide plates for guided bone regeneration: manufacturing and in vitro

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is crucial for repairing cranial defects.
• Bioabsorbable materials offer advantages over permanent implants.
• Developing suitable pliable and degradable plates is essential for GBR efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize pliable, bioabsorbable plates for guided bone regeneration.
• To investigate the processing and in vitro degradation of poly-L,DL-lactide (PLA70) and poly-L,D-lactide (PLA96) based materials.
• To evaluate the performance of composite plates for cranial defect coverage.

Main Methods:

• Three types of 0.4 mm thick plates were fabricated using extrusion, melt-spinning, knitting, and heat pressing.
• Materials included poly-L,DL-lactide (PLA70) and poly-L,D-lactide (PLA96).
• In vitro degradation, tensile strength, glass transition temperature (Tg), crystallinity, melting enthalpy, and molecular weight (Mw) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Initial tensile strengths varied: PLA96 (45.7 MPa), PLA70 (51.2 MPa), and composite (24.7 MPa).
• Composite plates were stiffest and degraded slowest, remaining intact over 24 weeks.
• In vitro degradation led to decreased Tg, increased crystallinity (PLA96), and changes in Mw for both polymers.

Conclusions:

• Pliable, bioabsorbable plates made from PLA70 and PLA96 are suitable for guided bone regeneration.
• Composite plates demonstrate superior mechanical properties and slower degradation rates.
• These materials show potential for effective cranial defect repair, with composite formulations offering the longest integrity.