Nanotubes Reinforcement of Degradable Polymers for Orthopedic Applications

Abstract

Biodegradable polymers have been studied as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications. However, they possess insufficient mechanical properties to be considered as alternatives at sites of increased mechanical loading. To improve their mechanical properties, reinforcing with nanotubes has been investigated, as they reproduce the structure and length scale of bone native topography. The research advances in the use of nanotubes as reinforcing agents in developing nanocomposites with synthetic and natural biodegradable polymers are reviewed. The extent of mechanical reinforcement of the polymers and the corresponding biological response of the nanocomposites are presented.

A review on polylactic acid‐based blends/composites and the role of compatibilizers in biomedical engineering applications

“…348 The results have indicated that mixing NPs with PLA yields higher strength, provides barriers to water vapor or gas and improves thermal properties. 349…”

“…The preparation of these nanocomposites includes solvent casting, melt blending and electrospinning techniques 348 . The results have indicated that mixing NPs with PLA yields higher strength, provides barriers to water vapor or gas and improves thermal properties 349 …”

Advanced Nanomaterials in Medical 3D Printing

“…[148] Nanotubes are composed of organic or inorganic atoms and can form single-or multi-walled tubes with considerable internal volume. [149][150][151] Due to their extensive internal surface area and high aspect ratio, [152][153][154] carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with proper mechanical properties and biocompatibility are often used to prepare 3D-printed functionalized bioscaffolds to enhance the scaffolds' mechanical properties and avoid mechanical damage due to fragility during use on. Liu et al improved the mechanical properties and cytocompatibility of the cellular scaffolds by using CNTs to functionalize the 3D-printed scaffolds.…”