Electrospun poly(L-lactic acid)/hydroxyapatite composite fibrous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

• Published in: Polymer international 2010-02, Vol.59 (2), p.227-235
• Main Authors: Chuenjitkuntaworn, Boontharika, Supaphol, Pitt, Pavasant, Prasit, Damrongsri, Damrong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Biomedical materials; bone scaffolds; Bones; electrospinning; Exact sciences and technology; Fibers and threads; Fibre; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Hydroxyapatite; Matrices; Mats; Medical sciences; poly(L-lactic acid); Polylactic acid; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Scaffolds; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Surgical implants; Technology of polymers; Technology. Biomaterials. Equipments
• ISSN: 0959-8103; 1097-0126; 1097-0126
• DOI: 10.1002/pi.2712

Poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) is one of the most studied synthetic biodegradable polymeric materials as a bone graft substitute. Taking into account the osteoconductive property of hydroxyapatite (HAp), we prepared fibrous matrices of PLLA without and with HAp particles in amounts of 0.25 or 0.50% (w/v, based on the volume of the base 15% w/v PLLA solution in 70:30 v/v dichloromethane/tetrahydrofuran). These fibrous matrices were assessed for their potential as substrates for bone cell culture. The presence of HAp in the composite fibre mats was confirmed using energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy mapping. The average diameters of both neat PLLA and PLLA/HAp fibres, as determined using scanning electron microscopy, ranged between 2.3 and 3.5 µm, with the average spacing between adjacent fibres ranging between 5.7 and 8.5 µm. The porosity of these fibrous membranes was high (ca 97–98%). A direct cytotoxicity evaluation with L929 mouse fibroblasts indicated that the neat PLLA fibre mats released no substance at a level that was toxic to the cells. The presence of HAp particles at 0.50% w/v in the PLLA fibrous scaffolds not only promoted the attachment and the proliferation of MC3T3‐E1 mouse pre‐osteoblastic cells, but also increased the expression of osteocalcin mRNA and the extent of mineralization after the cells had been cultured on the scaffolds for 14 and 21 days, respectively. The results obtained suggested that the PLLA/HAp fibre mats could be materials of choice for bone tissue engineering. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry Electrospun poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) fibres containing hydroxyapatite nanoparticles at either 0.25 or 0.50% w/v (based on the volume of the base PLLA solution) were prepared as fibrous substrates for bone cell culture. The fibrous matrices were characterized for their physical and mechanical integrity, direct cytotoxicity using L929 mouse fibroblasts and in vitro biological responses of cultured MC3T3‐E1 pre‐osteoblast cells.