RIS ID
114241
Abstract
A novel method to process electrospun poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) membranes incorporating glass reinforced hydroxyapatite granules (gHA) interspacially between the polymeric fibers is reported, thus increasing the surface area for cellular interactions. gHA granules (≤150 μm) electrospun together with the polymer solution, lead to an average fiber diameter of 550 ± 150 nm for pristine PLLA and 440 ± 170 nm for the composite samples. An increase of the overall porosity was observed, from 79 ± 3% for the PLLA up to 88 ± 5% for the hybrid samples, keeping material’s wettability and mechanical properties. Bone-bonding ability showed that both samples induced HA crystal nucleation, but with a distinct pattern of mineral deposition. gHA microcomposite allows a better F-actin cytoskeleton organization during the initial adhesion and spreading, favoring cell-fibers and cell-to-cell interactions and enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity, making them potential candidates for bone healing strategies.
Publication Details
Santos, D., Silva, D. M., Gomes, P. S., Fernandes, M. H., Santos, J. D. & Sencadas, V. (2017). Multifunctional PLLA-ceramic fiber membranes for bone regeneration applications. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 504 101-110.