The Effects of Bioactive Nanoparticles on the Degradaion of DLGA
International Journal of Polymeric Materials and Polymeric Biomaterials 64(1) : 38-46 (2015)
Abstract
The effect of bioactive nanoparticles on the in vitro degradation of DLGA composite scaffolds is
investigated. Fabricated by thermally induced phase separation, the scaffolds present a high porosity
(>90%). In vitro degradation is performed by immersing the scaffolds in a phosphate buffered saline
solution, to evaluate water absorption, pH change, and weight loss. Chain scission by hydrolysis
reduces the average molecular weight and increases the polydispersity index. The incorporation of
modified hydroxyapatite nanoparticles significantly affects the DLGA degradation process, inducing
appreciable changes in the morphology of the material, but not in its percentage of porosity.
Nanohydroxyapatite blocks the entry of water, reducing the degradation rates.