Biodegradable poly (lactic acid-co-trimethylene carbonate)/chitosan microsphere scaffold with shape-memory effect for...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is widely used in biomedical applications but causes inflammatory reactions due to acidic byproducts.
• Developing advanced biomaterials with enhanced properties and reduced acidity is crucial for clinical success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create Poly (lactic acid-co-trimethylene carbonate)/Chitosan (PLA-TMC/Chitosan) 3D scaffolds.
• To improve mechanical resilience and reduce acidic degradation products compared to traditional PLA.
• To evaluate the suitability of these scaffolds for bone regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of 3D scaffolds using solvent/nonsolvent techniques with PLA-TMC and PLA-TMC/Chitosan microspheres.
• Characterization of microsphere and scaffold porosity, pore size, mechanical properties, and degradation.
• Assessment of cell viability and proliferation using CCK8 and ALP assays.

Main Results:

• PLA-TMC/Chitosan scaffolds exhibited enhanced compression resilience and reduced acidity.
• Scaffolds displayed a 3D porous architecture with controlled pore sizes (105-130 μm).
• The 15% Chitosan variant showed a shape-memory effect, recovering shape at 37°C within 300s.
• Scaffolds demonstrated mechanical properties matching cancellous bone and were non-toxic, promoting cell adhesion.

Conclusions:

• PLA-TMC/Chitosan microsphere scaffolds offer a promising alternative to pure PLA for biomedical applications.
• The developed scaffolds possess desirable mechanical, physicochemical, and biological properties for bone regeneration.
• These advanced biomaterials show potential for use in bone repair and regeneration therapies.