In Vitro Degradation of PLCL/nHA Biodegradable Scaffolds

Abstract

We investigated the effect of bioactive nanoparticles on the in-vitro degradation of PLCL and PLCL/nHA composite scaffolds. The concentration of nanohydroxyapatite significantly affected the degradation rate. An increase in the crystallinity of the amorphous portion of the polymer was observed. This increased crystallinity was more pronounced in the pure PLCL samples than in those with more nHA. During the degradation process, we observed the appearance of multiple micropores on the scaffold walls as the hydrolysis process progressed and, by the sixth week, the remains of the degradation products were visible on the pore walls.