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Optimising micro-hydroxyapatite reinforced poly(lactide acid) electrospun scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Muna M Kareem1, K Elizabeth Tanner2,3
1Biomedical Engineering Division, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
Journal of Materials Science. Materials in Medicine
|April 8, 2020
Summary
This study explored micron-sized hydroxyapatite (HA) in polylactic acid (PLA) electrospun scaffolds for bone regeneration. Micron-sized HA improved scaffold thermal stability and mechanical properties, offering a viable alternative to nanoparticles.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Bone regeneration strategies often utilize composite electrospun scaffolds mimicking natural bone extracellular matrix (ECM).
- While nano-sized hydroxyapatite (HA) offers high bioactivity, its tendency to agglomerate poses mechanical challenges.
- Micro-sized HA presents an alternative, but its influence on scaffold properties requires detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of two types of micron-sized hydroxyapatite (HA), spray-dried (HA1) and sintered (HA2), on the properties of polylactic acid (PLA) electrospun scaffolds.
- To evaluate how polymer concentration, filler type, and filler concentration impact scaffold morphology, mechanical properties, bioactivity, and degradation.
Main Methods:
- Electrospinning of PLA with varying concentrations of HA1 and HA2 (micron-sized particles).
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to analyze scaffold morphology and fiber diameter.
- Immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) to assess apatite precipitation (bioactivity).
- In vitro degradation studies over 14 days.
- Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to determine thermal stability.
Main Results:
- Incorporation of HA significantly affected PLA fiber diameter and surface roughness.
- Apatite precipitation rates in SBF were similar for HA1 and HA2 scaffolds but influenced by fiber diameter and surface HA presence.
- HA2-filled scaffolds exhibited lower in vitro degradation rates due to better HA dispersion and reduced interfacial voids.
- Increased filler surface area enhanced thermal stability by reducing polymer thermal degradation.
Conclusions:
- Micron-sized HA particles, specifically HA2, can be effectively incorporated into PLA electrospun scaffolds.
- These scaffolds demonstrate promising potential for bone regeneration, offering improved mechanical and thermal properties compared to nanoparticle-filled counterparts.
- The study highlights the importance of filler dispersion and surface characteristics in determining scaffold performance for bone tissue engineering.
