Authors: S S Henriksen M Ding M Vinther Juhl N Theilgaard S Overgaard
Publish Date: 2011/03/24
Volume: 22, Issue: 5, Pages: 1111-
Abstract
Eight groups of calciumphosphate scaffolds for bone implantation were prepared of which seven were reinforced with biopolymers poly lactic acid PLA or hyaluronic acid in different concentrations in order to increase the mechanical strength without significantly impairing the microarchitecture Controls were unreinforced calciumphosphate scaffolds Microarchitectural properties were quantified using microCT scanning Mechanical properties were evaluated by destructive compression testing Results showed that adding 10 or 15 PLA to the scaffold significantly increased the mechanical strength The increase in mechanical strength was seen as a result of increased scaffold thickness and changes to platelike structure However the porosity was significantly lowered as a consequence of adding 15 PLA whereas adding 10 PLA had no significant effect on porosity Hyaluronic acid had no significant effect on mechanical strength The novel composite scaffold is comparable to that of human bone which may be suitable for transplantation in specific weightbearing situations such as long bone repair
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