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

Abstract

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

Effect of bioactive extruded PLA/HA composite films on focal adhesion formation of preosteoblastic cells

“…This finding is highly consistent with those of Sui et al [7] who reported that the cell adhesion and growth on electrospun PLA/HA hybrid membranes were far better than on pure PLA membranes. Similar results were also found by Chuenjitkuntaworn et al [40]. Additionally, Li et al [41] reported a decrease in vinculin expression on neat PLA surfaces in comparison to gelatin-modified PLA surfaces when human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used.…”

Electrospun scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

“…The presence of HA particles at 0.50% w/v concentration not only promoted the attachment and the proliferation of mouse pre-osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) 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 [71].…”

An assessment of biopolymer‐ and synthetic polymer‐based scaffolds for bone and vascular tissue engineering

“…In another approach, blends of synthetic polymers (e.g. PCL, PLLA) with natural polymers such as HA have been investigated. Scaffolds consisting of three different constituents have also been reported, for example PCL/collagen/HA, PLLA/collagen/HA, gelatin/HA/PLCL and PCL/PLGA/HA .…”