Development of fiber-particulate biocomposites based on PLA/Joncryl/Mg for application in tissue engineering

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) is a biodegradable material known for its remarkable performance and is an essential element in the human body, where it is partially stored in bone tissue. Mg in bone tissue enhances resistance, stimulates bone growth, and possesses beneficial density properties. Its Young's modulus is similar to human bone, making it a promising material for biomedical applications. However, it undergoes rapid degradation and causes local alkalinization in the body environment. Incorporating this biometal into a biocompatible/bioabsorbable polymeric matrix presents a viable pathway to impart bioactive characteristics to the matrix and control the degradation rate of Mg. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a polyester derived from lactic acid sourced from renewable resources, has emerged as a standout in this context.Conventional techniques for producing composites based on thermoplastic polymers and bioactive fillers generally employ high temperatures and shear. In the presence of certain fillers, these conditions can lead to severe degradation of the polymeric matrix. One method to restore the polyester matrix's molar mass involves adding chain extenders to the composition. The addition of chain extenders modifies the viscoelastic behavior of the matrix, rendering the composite processable by extrusion-based methods, such as additive manufacturing, viable. Factors like the rheological behavior of the composite are crucial to ensure the quality and properties of the 3D printed material.Therefore, the focus of this project is on the development and characterization of fibro-particulate composites based on PLA+Joncryl+Mg and continuous bio-glass fibers. These composites will have rheological properties suitable for filament fabrication, enabling the construction of scaffolds through Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) additive manufacturing. Consequently, bioactive scaffolds with controlled morphology (pore sizes that mimic bone structure), mechanical properties, and permeability to body fluids/proteins sufficient for application in bone regeneration will be obtained.