Enzymatic degradation study of PLA-based composite scaffolds

Abstract

Disadvantages in the use of polylactic acid (PLA) as a base material for Tissue Engineering applications include the low osteoconductivity of this biomaterial, its acidic degradation and the deficient cellular adhesion on its surface. In order to counteract these drawbacks, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and β-tricalcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2, β-TCP) were proposed in this work as additives of PLA-based support structures. Composite scaffolds (PLA:CaCO3: β-TCP 95:2.5:2.5) manufactured by fused deposition modeling (FDM) were tested under enzymatic degradation using proteinase K enzymes to assess the modification of their properties in comparison with neat PLA scaffolds. The samples were characterized before and after the degradation test by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, compression testing and thermogravimetric and calorimetric analysis. According to the results, the combination of the PLA matrix with the proposed additives increases the degradation rate of the 3D printed scaffolds, which is an advantage for the application of the composite scaffold in the field of Tissue Engineering. The higher degradation rate of the composite scaffolds could be explained by the release of the additive particles and the statistically higher microporosity of these samples compared to the neat PLA ones.

Biodegradability of Novel Polylactide and Polycaprolactone Materials with Bacteriostatic Properties Due to Embedded Birch Tar in Different Environments

“…According to Zhuikov et al, (2021) [27], enzymatic degradation is found to significantly accelerate the degradation rate of PLA I PHB compared to non-enzymatic hydrolytic degradation. The first reported PLA-degrading enzyme was proteinase K from Tritirachium album [28,29]. Chemical modification of packaging materials is not always a preferred strategy in pollutant management and remediation as it may inhibit degradation by acting on the cells of microorganisms and their enzymes, particularly if the substance is of a strong biocidal nature and shows inhibitory activity towards biocatalysts.…”

Novel Approaches and Biomaterials for Bone Tissue Engineering: A Focus on Silk Fibroin

“…For this purpose, Donate et al have proposed calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) and β-tricalcium phosphate (Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 , β-TCP) as additives in PLA structures. The composite scaffolds were manufactured by fused de-position modeling (FDM) and tested under enzymatic degradation, demonstrating an increased degradation rate [ 60 ]. 3D-printed porous composite scaffolds made of polylactic acid (PLA)/hydroxyapatite (HAP) with a content of ceramic material above 20 wt/wt% were developed through FDM by Bernardo et al and obtained mechanical performances similar to those of the trabecular bone.…”

Designing and 3d Printed Pla Based Implant Used in Treatment for Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis

“…Properties of PLA inks for solvent-cast printing of three-dimensional freeform microstructures [39]- [41]. It is semi-crystalline, biocompatible, and has found use in several medical applications like orthopedic implants, drug delivery systems, and bio-fabrication [38], [42]. The semi-crystalline morphology increases mechanical integrity.…”