Surface modified nano-hydroxyapatite/poly(lactide acid) composite and its osteocyte compatibility

In this study, melt blending was used to fabricate poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/ hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposites. Surface modifying HA nanoparticles (mHA) with dodecyl alcohol through esterification reaction could effectively improve the dispersibility of HA nanoparticles in PLA matrix and the interfacial interactions between PLA and HA nanoparticles, as revealed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), rheology analysis, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). mHA/PLA nanocomposite film demonstrated better cartilage cell attachment, spreading and proliferation than that of PLA and HA/PLA film. The good cytocompatibility could be due to the good dispersibility of the osteoinductive HA nanoparticles, good interfacial interactions between PLA and HA nanoparticles, and balanced hydrophobic/hydrophilic property. This newly developed mHA/PLA nanocomposites may be considered for bone tissue engineering applications.

► Dodecyl alcohol modifies HA nanoparticles via esterification reaction.
► The modified HA results in good dispersibility in PLA matrix.
► The interfacial interactions are improved because of the modified HA.
► The addition of HA and mHA results in good cell affinity and biocompatibility.