Preparation of PBS/PLLA/HAP Composites by the Solution Casting Method: Mechanical Properties and Biocompatibility

Abstract

The use of biodegradable polymeric scaffolds for tissue regeneration is becoming a common practice in the clinic. Therefore, an inclined trend is developing with regards to improving the mechanical properties of these scaffolds. Here, we aim to improve the mechanical properties of poly (butylene succinate) (PBS)/poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA) blends by incorporating hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAP) in the blends to form composites. PBS/PLLA = 100/0, 95/5, 90/10, 85/15, and 0/100 wt% blends, along-with the loadings of a few mg of HAPs, were prepared using the solution casting method. A scanning electron microscope showed the voids and droplets, indicating the immiscibility of blends. Due to this immiscibility, the tensile strength values of the blends were found to be in between that of pure PBS (42.85 MPa) and pure PLLA (31.39 MPa). HAPs act as a compatibilizer by incorporating themselves in the voids and spaces caused by the immiscibility, thus increasing the overall tensile strength of the resulting composite to a certain extent, e.g., the tensile strength of PBS/PLLA = 95/5 loaded with 50 mg HAPs was found to be 51.16 MPa. The structural analysis employing the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the formation of polymer blends and composites. The contact angle analysis showed that the addition of HAPs increased the hydrophilicity of the resulting composites. Selective samples were investigated based on mechanical properties to see if the blends and composites are biocompatible. The obtained results showed that all of the samples with better mechanical properties demonstrated good biocompatibility. This indicates the effectiveness of scaffolds for tissue regeneration.

Wood Surface Modification with Hybrid Materials Based on Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

“…Additionally, improved mechanical properties were observed when solutions based on decorated nanotubes were used, which means that the presence of nanoparticles makes a contribution in this regard. This aspect is also supported by literature papers, confirming that the presence of nanoparticles significantly improves the mechanical properties of polymeric films [46][47][48]. Another aspect observed was that the application method of the consolidation solutions also had a major effect on the mechanical properties of the wood, as applying the solutions by brushing and spraying provided superior strength.…”

Effects of polylactide‐functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes on the crystallization behavior and thermal stability of poly (L‐lactic acid)

“…In Figure 1b, MWCNTs‐OH has its characteristic diffraction peak at 25.9°. PLLA 48k exhibit diffraction peaks at 2 θ = 16.7°, 19.1° and 22°, corresponding to the α ‐form homo‐crystallites 39 . MWCNTs‐g‐PLLA shows crystal diffraction peaks at 16.7°, 19.1° and 21°, which is the basically same as in the peak position of PLLA.…”

Progress of Carrageenan‐Based Films and Coatings for Food Packaging Applications

“…Solution casting is a common method of preparing preformed films [53]. This method involves preparing a film‐forming solution, spreading the prepared solution on smooth plates, such as polytetrafluoroethylene or glass plates, and evaporating the solvent after cooling [54].…”