Electrospun Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/Calcium Phosphate Cement (CPC) Bionanocomposite for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications

In this study, we have developed a nanofibrous scaffold infused with functional particulates of calcium phosphate cement via the electrospinning process to be used for tissue engineering applications. PLA and monetite cement were chosen for the development of these bionanocomposites because of their biocompatibility and biodegradability. The calcium present in the monetite cement has been used to enrich the environment for compatibility with bone cells. The various parameters influencing the electrospinning process were varied in order to find the optimum conditions for producing uniform fibers. Using characterization methods such as SEM, XRD, and STEM the fiber morphology, chemical composition, and dispersion of cement particles in the fibers were determined. Higher ratios of monetite to PLA in the fibers significantly affected the electrospinning process and the morphology of the fibers. Lower monetite content produced bead free nanofibers with cement particles randomly dispersed in the fiber matrix.