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Functionalized Hydroxyapatite Loading Enhances the Mechanical and Biodegradation Properties of Wet-Spun
Gianni Pecorini1, Elisa Martinelli1, Andrea Corti1
1Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, UdR INSTM Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, Pisa, 56124, Italy.
Macromolecular Bioscience
|April 14, 2025
Summary
This study developed novel biodegradable composite scaffolds using additive manufacturing for bone tissue engineering. Functionalized hydroxyapatite-loaded poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) scaffolds demonstrated enhanced mechanical properties and stability, supporting osteoblast growth.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Biodegradable composite scaffolds are crucial for bone tissue engineering.
- Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) are key materials.
- Improving scaffold integration and mechanical properties is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel PLGA scaffolds loaded with functionalized HA using additive manufacturing.
- To enhance the compatibility of HA within the PLGA matrix.
- To evaluate the mechanical properties, structural stability, and in vitro biological performance of the composite scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- Functionalization of HA particles with PLGA grafting (PgHA).
- Additive manufacturing of PLGA scaffolds loaded with PgHA.
- Mechanical testing (tensile, compressive moduli, elongation at break).
- In vitro structural stability assessment over 9 weeks.
- In vitro evaluation of preosteoblast viability and differentiation.
Main Results:
- PgHA-loaded scaffolds exhibited superior tensile and compressive moduli compared to non-loaded and non-functionalized HA-loaded scaffolds.
- Enhanced elongation at break was observed in PgHA-loaded scaffolds.
- PgHA-loaded scaffolds maintained structural integrity longer in vitro (9 weeks).
- All tested scaffolds supported preosteoblast viability and osteogenic differentiation.
Conclusions:
- PLGA grafting of HA improves compatibility and mechanical properties of composite scaffolds.
- Additive manufactured, functionalized composite scaffolds show promise for bone regeneration.
- These findings support further research into personalized bone tissue engineering applications.
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