Titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) nanoparticles filled poly(D,L lactid acid) (PDLLA) matrix composites for bone tissue...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Poly(D,L lactid acid) (PDLLA) is a biodegradable polymer used in tissue engineering.
• Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles offer potential for enhancing biomaterial properties.
• Investigating the bioactivity and cytotoxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles in PDLLA composites is crucial for bone tissue engineering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the bioactivity of TiO2 nanoparticles and PDLLA/TiO2 composite films.
• To assess the cytotoxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles on MG-63 osteoblast-like cells.
• To determine the potential of TiO2-enhanced PDLLA for bone tissue engineering applications.

Main Methods:

• Composite films of PDLLA with 0, 5, and 30 wt% TiO2 nanoparticles were fabricated using solvent casting.
• Bioactivity was assessed by hydroxyapatite (HA) formation upon immersion in simulated body fluid (1.5 SBF) for up to 3 weeks.
• Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay on MG-63 cells exposed to varying concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles.

Main Results:

• Non-stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (ns-HA) nanocrystals formed on 30 wt% TiO2 composite films within 2 weeks in 1.5 SBF.
• Trace amounts of ns-HA were observed on pure PDLLA and 5 wt% TiO2 films after 3 weeks.
• TiO2 nanoparticles up to 100 µg/mL did not significantly affect MG-63 cell viability.

Conclusions:

• PDLLA/TiO2 composite films exhibit promising bioactivity for bone tissue engineering.
• TiO2 nanoparticles show a concentration-dependent effect on HA formation.
• TiO2 nanoparticles demonstrate low cytotoxicity, supporting their use in bone regenerative applications.