Composite polymer-coated mineral grafts for bone regeneration: material characterisation and model study

Pertici, Gianni and Rossi, Filippo and Casalini, Tommaso and Perale, Giuseppe (2014) Composite polymer-coated mineral grafts for bone regeneration: material characterisation and model study. Annals of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, 2 (1). ISSN 2052-7837

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Abstract

Introduction This study discusses composite polymer-coated mineral grafts for bone regeneration. Materials and Methods Bone xenografts are coated with degradable synthetic [poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone)] and natural (polysaccharides) polymers in order to increase their mechanical properties, on one side, and to improve cell adhesion, on the other, with the purpose of developing a novel composite material for bone tissue engineering. In vitro assays help examine the microstructure of the scaffold by Fourier transform infrared and environmental scanning electron microscopy analyses and the porosity of the material by micro-computed tomography. The good adhesion property of polymer coated on to the mineral scaffold is deeply analysed and proved. The in vitro polymer degradation, in terms of time evolution of polymer-coating thickness, was rationalised with a mathematical model. The purpose of such modelling activity is to provide a simple but powerful tool to understand the influence of design parameters on coating behaviour. Results The fabricated bone graft exhibited regular microstructure similar to healthy iliac bones with an average of 27% open porosity and an adequately rigid structure, which ensures a better osteointegration once implanted. Conclusion This approach avoids the use of trial-and-error methods and consents a better a priori material design.

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