The degradation behavior of nanoscale HA/PLGA and α-TCP/PLGA composites. Issue 2 (June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ege, Duygu; Cameron, Ruth; Best, Serena
• Is Part Of: Bioinspired, biomimetic and nanobiomaterials. Volume 3:Issue 2(2014)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 93
• Publication Date: 2014-06
• Subjects: biodegradable -- biomaterial -- composites; Biomimetic materials -- Periodicals; Nanobiotechnology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; 660.605
• DOI: 10.1680/bbn.13.00027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-9858

Abstract

Abstract : The aim of this work was to prepare and analyze the degradation properties of pure PLGA, homogeneous α-tricalcium phosphate ( α -TCP)/PLGA and hydroxyapatite (HA)/PLGA composites for potential bone replacement applications. α -TCP and HA powders were prepared in-house and 25 nominal wt% of calcium phosphate (CaP) powder was incorporated into commercially available PLGA pellets by twin screw extrusion. The degradation studies showed that pure PLGA had the fastest degradation rate followed by HA/PLGA and α -TCP/PLGA. Overall, it was found that α -TCP acted as a better buffering agent than HA, resulting in reduced acid group autocatalysis and hence a slower degradation rate.