Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
15:52
Postproduction Processing of Electrospun Fibres for Tissue Engineering
Published on: August 9, 2012
18.2K
Development of Bioactive Hybrid Poly(lactic acid)/Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PLA/PMMA) Electrospun Fibers
Fabián Álvarez-Carrasco1, Pablo Varela1, Mauricio A Sarabia-Vallejos2
1Laboratorio de Biomecánica y Biomateriales, Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago 9160000, Chile.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 13, 2024
Summary
New hybrid scaffolds made from polylactic acid (PLA) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) with bioglass nanoparticles show promise for bone tissue engineering. These materials exhibit good biocompatibility, enhanced healing, and controlled degradation, making them suitable for regenerative medicine applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Science
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Developing effective scaffolds for bone tissue engineering is crucial for regenerative medicine.
- Hybrid polymer scaffolds offer tunable properties for improved clinical outcomes.
- Incorporating bioactive nanoparticles can enhance scaffold integration and functionality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel hybrid scaffolds based on polylactic acid (PLA) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) functionalized with bioglass nanoparticles (n-BG).
- To evaluate the physicochemical properties, bioactivity, degradation behavior, and in vitro/in vivo biocompatibility of these hybrid scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.
Main Methods:
- Electrospinning technique using a chloroform/dimethylformamide (CF/DMF) solvent system to fabricate PLA/PMMA/n-BG hybrid scaffolds.
- Characterization of scaffold morphology, fiber diameter, pore interconnectivity, and mechanical properties (Young's modulus).
- Assessment of bioactivity via immersion in Simulated Body Fluids (SBF), hydrolytic degradation in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and in vitro cell culture studies (HBOF-1.19 cell line).
- In vivo biocompatibility evaluation using a subdermal model in BALB male mice.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated porous PLA/PMMA/n-BG hybrid scaffolds with interconnected pores.
- Observed decreased fiber diameter and increased defects with higher PMMA content, linked to nanoparticle agglomeration.
- Scaffolds exhibited reduced Young's modulus, indicating increased flexibility.
- Demonstrated bioactivity with hydroxyapatite crystal formation on the surface after SBF immersion.
- Showed reduced hydrolytic degradation compared to pure PLA.
- In vitro studies confirmed good cell viability and proliferation.
- In vivo studies indicated no cytotoxic effects and enhanced wound healing.
Conclusions:
- PLA/PMMA/n-BG hybrid scaffolds fabricated via electrospinning are suitable for bone tissue engineering.
- The incorporation of n-BG enhances bioactivity and modulates degradation rates.
- These scaffolds promote cell growth and exhibit excellent biocompatibility in vivo, supporting tissue regeneration.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers
Synthetic polymers are classified as elastomers, fibers, or plastics based on their crystallinity. Crystallinity, the degree of long-range order in the solid state, influences the mechanical properties (stretching or contracting) of elastomers. Elastomers are flexible polymers that can expand or contract easily upon the application of an external force. They have numerous crosslinks that pull them back into their original shape when stress is removed. Silicones, for instance, are highly elastic...
01:27Bioplastics
Bioplastics derived from microbial processes present a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), particularly polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs), have emerged as prominent candidates due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. These polymers are synthesized by a variety of bacteria, such as Cupriavidus necator and Pseudomonas putida, which naturally accumulate PHAs as intracellular carbon and energy reserves, especially under...