Studies on Poly(D, L-lactic acid)/Wollastonite Composites as a Biomaterial

The aim of the study was to prepare bioactive and bioabsorbable composites of polylactide/wollastonite (PDLLA/W) and evaluate their mechanical properties and biocompatibility in vitro. PDLLA and wollastonite were physically mixed and the mechanical properties of the composition showed the influence of wollastonite, and that a partial composite, e.g., a PDLLA/wollastonite composition with 15 wt% wollastonite (PW-15) has similar mechanical properties compared to pure PDLLA. However, an in vitro biocompatibility testing showed that the composite has no deleterious effects on the osteoblast cells and facilitates both adhesion and proliferation of the osteoblast cells on the PDLLA/wollastonite film surface. The introduction of wollastonite could also induce the deposition of hydroxyapatite (HA) on the surface of the composite in simulated body fluids (SBF) which has important implications on bone regeneration. These mechanical and biocompatibility properties represent PDLLA/wollastonite composites as potential biomaterials.