Montmorillonite with unique interlayer space imparted polymer scaffolds with sustained release of Ag+. Issue 9 (15th June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guo, Wang; Zhang, Yanru; Feng, Pei; Gao, Chengde; Yang, Youwen; Yang, Wenjing; Peng, Shuping; Shuai, Cijun
• Is Part Of: Ceramics international. Volume 45:Issue 9(2019)
• Page Start: 11517
• Page End: 11526
• Publication Date: 2019-06-15
• Subjects: Montmorillonite -- Polymer scaffolds -- Sustained release -- Antibacterial properties -- Mechanical properties -- Degradable properties; Ceramics -- Periodicals; Céramique industrielle -- Périodiques; Ceramics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 666
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2019.03.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-8842

Abstract

Abstract: Polyglycolic acid (PGA) has been a potential scaffold material due to its good biocompatibility and processibility, but its poor mechanical properties and over fast degradation restricted its application in bone repair. Meanwhile, it is worth noticing that bacterial infection is a common problem in bone repair. In this study, montmorillonite (MMT), with unique interlayer space, was introduced to PGA scaffolds prepared via additive manufacturing to address the problems. The results indicated MMT acted as rigid reinforcements dispersing well in the PGA matrix, which effectively transferred and absorbed the stresses in the matrix, thereby significantly increasing the compressive properties and hardness of the scaffolds. Moreover, MMT played the role of impermeable barriers in the matrix, hindering the diffusion of water and its attack on the matrix, which inhibited the hydrolysis and hence significantly decreased the degradable rate. More importantly, Ag + was loaded into the interlayer space of MMT via ion exchange and was further chemically reduced to metallic Ag with higher stability. The impermeable layered structure of MMT presented dual barrier effects on the release of Ag + via inhibiting the attack of water on Ag from outside and the diffusion of Ag + from inside. Hence, the scaffolds exhibited a sustained Ag + release and a long-lasting antibacterial property.