Micro- and nano-injectable composite biomaterials containing calcium phosphate coated with...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Calcium phosphate (CP) and poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) (DLPLG) are widely used biomaterials.
• Developing injectable composite biomaterials is crucial for minimally invasive medical applications.
• Controlling the microstructure of composite biomaterials influences their properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel calcium phosphate/poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) (CP/DLPLG) composite biomaterials.
• To investigate the structural and phase organization of micro- and nanocomposites.
• To develop an injectable composite biomaterial using the synthesized nanocomposite.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of CP/DLPLG micro- and nanocomposites with varying particle sizes.
• Characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
• Rheological studies to assess the injectability and stability of the nanocomposite formulation.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of CP/DLPLG composites where CP particles were consistently coated with DLPLG.
• Identification of distinct structural and phase organization in both micro- and nanocomposites.
• Development of an injectable nano-CP/DLPLG composite biomaterial whose properties are dependent on phase ratio.
• Rheological analysis indicated potential particle agglomeration at 65% CP content in the injectable formulation.

Conclusions:

• CP/DLPLG nanocomposites provide a basis for novel injectable biomaterials.
• The coating of CP particles with DLPLG is confirmed across different composite types.
• Injectability and potential agglomeration are key considerations for the nano-CP/DLPLG composite formulation, influenced by CP content.