Improvement of mechanical and biological properties of porous CaSiO3 scaffolds by poly(d,l-lactic acid) modification

Porous calcium silicates (CaSiO3, WT) are regarded as a potential bioactive material for bone tissue engineering. However, their insufficient mechanical strength and high dissolution (degradation) limit their biological applications. The aim of this study is to surface modify WT scaffolds with poly(d,l-lactic acid) (PDLLA) to improve their mechanical and biological properties. The phase composition, microstructure, porosity and interconnectivity of WT and PDLLA-modified WT (WTPL) scaffolds were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and micro-computerized tomography. The WTPL scaffolds maintained a more uniform and continuous inner network, compared to that of the WT scaffolds, while maintaining the pore size, porosity and interconnectivity of the original materials. The compressive strength, compressive modulus and percentage strain of the WT and WTPL scaffolds were assessed in air and phosphate-buffered saline. PDLLA modification significantly improved the compressive strength and decreased the brittleness of the WT scaffolds. The weight loss and apatite-forming ability of the two scaffolds were evaluated by soaking them in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. PDLLA modification decreased the dissolution of the WT scaffolds while maintaining their apatite-forming ability in SBF. In addition, PDLLA modification improved the spreading and viability of human bone-derived cells. Our results indicate that PDLLA-modified CaSiO3 scaffolds possess improved mechanical and biological properties, suggesting their potential application for bone tissue regeneration.