Grafting of maleic anhydride on poly(lactic acid)/hydroxyapatite composites augments their ability to support osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract

Implantation of bone substitutes is the treatment of choice for bone defects exceeding a critical size, when self-healing becomes impossible. The use of 3D printing techniques allows the construction of scaffolds with customized properties. However, there is a lack of suitable materials for bone replacement. In this study, maleic anhydride-grafted poly (lactic acid) (MAPLA) was investigated as a potential compatibilizer agent for 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA)/hydroxyapatite (HA) composites, in order to enhance the physicochemical and biological properties of the scaffolds. The grafting process was performed by reactive processing in a torque rheometer, with the evaluation of the use of different concentrations of maleic anhydride (MA). The success of the grafting reaction was confirmed by titration of acid groups and spectroscopic analyses, indicating the presence of succinic anhydride groups on the PLA chain. Morphological analysis of the PLA/HA 3D scaffolds, using SEM, revealed that the use of the compatibilizer resulted in a structure free from voids and holes. The compatibilization also increased the degradation process. On the other hand, TGA and DSC analyses revealed that the use of a compatibilizer had little effect on the thermal properties of the composite. Most importantly, the samples with compatibilizer were demonstrated to have a minimal cytotoxic effect on human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), promoting the osteogenic differentiation of these cells in a medium without the addition of classical osteogenic factors. Therefore, the grafting of PLA/HA composites improved their physicochemical and biological properties, especially the induction of MSC osteogenic differentiation, demonstrating the potential of these scaffolds for bone tissue replacement.

A new approach for grafting plasticized cellulose acetate biodegradable plastic with maleic anhydride: Processing and characterization

“…Moreover, all grafted samples had a yellowish color as compared to pCA sample, and the intensity of this yellow color was higher in CAgMA5O sample in comparison to CAgMA2.5O and CAgMA2.5T samples, as can be observed in Figure 1. Such a trend in yellowish color of biopolymers after grafting with MA was also reported by other researchers which is mainly due to the side reactions that could happen during reactive extrusion 18,19 …”

“…Such a trend in yellowish color of biopolymers after grafting with MA was also reported by other researchers which is mainly due to the side reactions that could happen during reactive extrusion. 18,19 3.2 | FTIR analysis and grafting mechanism IR spectra of MA, pCA as well as three grafted samples are presented in Figure 2. There are specific characteristic peaks related to the CA chemical structure that can be observed in both pCA and grafted materials.…”

Effect of Degradation on the Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Extruded Films of Poly(lactic acid) and Chitosan

“…In contrast, the Q2 film, with MA, displayed improved homogeneity compared to the film without this component, resulting in the reduction of chitosan agglomerates within the PLA matrix. These findings suggest a compatibilizing effect of maleic anhydride in the composite film. , Furthermore, we observed distinct changes in the morphology of the films during the degradation period. The PLA film exhibited alterations in its surface morphology starting at 192 h (T4), characterized by small isolated cracks.…”

“…These findings suggest a compatibilizing effect of maleic anhydride in the composite film. 31,32 Furthermore, we observed distinct changes in the morphology of the films during the degradation period. The PLA film exhibited alterations in its surface morphology starting at 192 h (T4), characterized by small isolated cracks.…”