New Three-Dimensional Bioactive Reinforcing Filler for Improving the Properties of Biomedical Polymers: Synthesis and...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Science
• Materials Engineering

Background:

• Composite reinforcement efficiency depends on filler properties.
• Research often focuses on filler percentage and bonding, neglecting filler geometry's role.
• Understanding filler geometry's impact is crucial for advanced biomedical polymer applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of three-dimensional (3D) bioactive filler geometry on the mechanical and biological enhancement of biomedical polymers.
• To synthesize and characterize dandelion-like hydroxyapatite (DHA) as a 3D bioactive filler.
• To evaluate the performance of composites made with surface-modified DHA in a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) matrix.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of highly regular dandelion-like hydroxyapatite (DHA) via a hydrothermal method.
• Surface modification of DHA particles with silane molecules.
• Fabrication of PHBV/DHA composites using solution casting and evaluation of mechanical and biological properties.

Main Results:

• Composites with surface-modified 3D DHA exhibited significantly improved tensile strength and elastic modulus compared to neat PHBV and composites with irregular fillers.
• The 3D DHA filler positively influenced PHBV's water wettability, biodegradability, and bioactivity.
• In vitro cell response was significantly enhanced in composites containing the 3D DHA filler.

Conclusions:

• Filler geometry is a critical factor influencing both mechanical and biological performance of biomedical polymer composites.
• Surface-modified 3D DHA particles offer a promising strategy for enhancing PHBV properties for biomedical applications.
• The study highlights the underappreciated role of particle geometry in designing high-performance biomaterials.