Rolled knitted scaffolds based onPLA‐pluronic copolymers for anterior cruciate ligament reinforcement: A step by step conception

Abstract

The aim of this study was to prepare a new knitted scaffold from PLA-Pluronic block copolymers for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The impact of sterilization methods (beta-ray and gamma-ray sterilization) on copolymers was first evaluated in order to take into account the possible damages due to the sterilization process. Beta-ray radiation did not significantly change mechanical properties in contrast to gamma-ray sterilization. It was shown that ACL cells proliferate onto these copolymers, demonstrating their cytocompatibility. Thirdly, in order to study the influence of shaping on mechanical properties, several shapes were created with copolymers yarns: braids, ropes and linear or rolled knitted scaffolds. The rolled knitted scaffold presented interesting mechanical characteristics, similar to native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with a 67 MPa Young's Modulus and a stress at failure of 22.5 MPa. These findings suggest that this three dimensional rolled knitted scaffold meet the mechanical properties of ligament tissues and could be suitable as a scaffold for ligament reconstruction. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 735-743, 2017.

Enhancement of tendon–bone healing via the combination of biodegradable collagen-loaded nanofibrous membranes and a three-dimensional printed bone-anchoring bolt

“…Although the polymer is known to lose its strength in ∼6 months when hydrolyzed, no significant changes in mass will occur for a very long time. 14,15 The histological examinations demonstrated adequate biocompatibility of the PLA bolt on the medial cortex with progressive bone ingrowth and without tissue overreaction. By combining the use of a collagen nanofibrous membrane on the lateral cortex with a PLA bolt on the medial cortex, the tendon graft in group B demonstrated adequate stabilization without tunnel enlargement.…”

“…12,13 For example, polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with good mechanical strength and has been considered an ideal biomaterial for load-bearing applications, such as fracture fixation devices. 14,15 Other polymeric biomaterials exhibit sustainable drug-eluting capacities that are beneficial in orthopedic surgeries, including controlled delivery of growth factors for promoting bone healing, sustainable elution of antibiotics for combating infection, and biomimetic patches for tendon or ligament reconstructions. [16][17][18] Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) belongs to the class of synthesized copolymers from which absorbable sutures, absorbable surgical clips, and controlled release implants are made.…”

In vivo evaluation of hybrid patches composed of PLA based copolymers and collagen/chondroitin sulfate for ligament tissue regeneration

“…The second aim of this work is to provide a temporary mechanical support for ligament regeneration. Degradable copolymers were synthesized and tailored as a textile to meet ligament mechanical strength requirement . We showed in this study that the presence of bloc (Pluronic and Tetronic) modifies the in vivo degradation rate of PLA.…”

“…PLA 94 copolymerizations were performed from two central blocks: Pluronic ® (PLA 94 ‐P) and Tetronic ® (PLA 94 ‐T) as described in our previous work . 400 kg mol −1 copolymers and a 200 kg mol −1 PLA polymer reference were obtained.…”

“…Although particularly popular, thanks to its degradable properties and good biocompatibility, poly(lactide)s (PLA) do not meet optimal properties to replace soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, cartilage, or blood vessels . Our previous studies showed that PLA copolymerization with Pluronic ® or Tetronic ® modifies PLA mechanical properties . Indeed, compared to PLA, copolymers' Young moduli are lower and copolymers yield at failure is higher.…”