Evaluation of Yield Strength of PLGA/nano-BCP Composite Scaffolds During In Vitro Degradation

Nano composite scaffolds improve biocompatibility, mechanical properties and cell behavior in comparison to similar compositions in micro-scales and are more desirable for bone tissue engineering. In this paper, the yield strength of Poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and PLGA/nBCP (Nano-biphasic calcium phosphate) composite scaffolds, during in vitro degradation, are presented. Prepared Nano-biphasic calcium phosphate and PLGA were used as reinforcement (with 10-50 wt%) and matrix of composite scaffolds, respectively. All scaffolds, with more than 89% porosity, were fabricated by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS). Various techniques including SEM, TEM and XRD were employed to investigate the samples. During in vitro degradation (0-6 weeks) the results of yield strength indicated that PLGA/nBCP scaffolds with 30 wt% nano- BCP have the highest value of strength among the composite scaffolds.

Keywords:

Bone tissue engineering , Nano composite scaffold , Mechanical properties , Biphasic calciumphosphate , In vitro degradation