Medical grade 3D printable bioabsorbable PLDL/Mg and PLDL/Zn composites for biomedical applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Poly(L-lactide) (PLDL) is a common bioabsorbable polymer.
• There is a need for advanced biomaterials with tunable properties for clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of incorporating magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) metallic particles into PLDL.
• To evaluate the mechanical properties, degradation behavior, and biological performance of these novel polymer/metal composites.

Main Methods:

• Medical grade PLDL, PLDL/Mg, and PLDL/Zn filaments were fabricated using a dual extrusion method.
• Coupons and scaffolds with controlled porosity were prepared via fused filament fabrication.
• Mechanical properties, degradation mechanisms, and cell performance were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Incorporating 4 vol.% Mg and Zn particles accelerated PLDL degradation without significantly altering mechanical properties.
• Metallic particles reduced the pH acidification typically observed during PLDL degradation.
• Excellent cell adhesion and proliferation were observed for both PLDL and the polymer/metal composites.

Conclusions:

• Bioabsorbable metal/polymer composites demonstrate potential for tailored biomaterial design.
• These composites offer tunable mechanical properties, degradation rates, and biocompatibility.
• The findings support the use of these composites for specific clinical applications.