Development and characterization of bioactive PCL/TCP composites

Abstract

As life expectancy of the world population increased, there was an enhancement in orthopedic procedures for bone repairs. In this context, new surgical procedures have been developed as well new materials for bone and cartilage repairs, especially with the Poly (µ-caprolactone), PCL, a polyester obtained by µ -caprolactone polymerization. As a biodegradable and a biocompatible polymer, its application has grown in the medical area, and it issued to manufacture devices for recovery of fractures and cartilage, controlled release of drugs, guided recovery of tissues and scaffolds for cells culture. Therefore, the developing of composites based on polymers/ bioactive ceramic fillers such as the ²-tricalcium phosphate (TCP), will be the aim of this project. In this way, it's possible to obtain biomaterials with appropriate mechanical properties, which exhibit bioactive behavior and controlled degradation.