Amorphous calcium phosphate/poly(d,l-lactic acid) composite nanofibers: Electrospinning preparation and biomineralization

Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) has been recognized as an attractive biomaterial due to its bioactivity and biocompatibility. Electrospinning is a simple and low-cost way to fabricate polymer fibers. In this study, ACP nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 20 to 80 nm were synthesized using a simple precipitation method. ACP nanoparticles were hybridized with poly(d,l-lactic acid) (PDLLA) to form ACP/PDLLA composite nanofibers by electrospinning, and different architectures including the nanofibrous mesh and tube consisting of ACP/PDLLA composite nanofibers were obtained and characterized. The biomineralization and cytocompatibility of as-prepared ACP/PDLLA composite nanofibers were evaluated in vitro. Osteoblast-like MG63 cells were seeded on the ACP/PDLLA composite nanofiber meshes to perform the cytocompatibility evaluation. The ACP/PDLLA composite nanofibers exhibited a fast mineralization behavior in the simulated body fluid. The attachment of MG63 cells and cytotoxicity of ACP/PDLLA composite nanofibers were also evaluated, and the experiments indicated good biocompatibility and bioactivity of ACP/PDLLA composite nanofibers.

The composite nanofibers consisting of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) nanoparticles and poly(d,l-lactic acid) (PDLLA) have been prepared by electrospinning, which exhibit a fast mineralization behavior in the simulated body fluid, and a good biocompatibility and bioactivity.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (55 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► An electrospinning preparation of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP)/poly(d,l-lactic acid) (PDLLA) composite nanofibers is presented.
► Different architectures including the nanofibrous mesh and tube consisting of ACP/PDLLA composite nanofibers were obtained.
► ACP/PDLLA composite nanofibers showed fast mineralization in simulated body fluid, good biocompatibility and bioactivity.
► ACP/PDLLA composite nanofibers have the potential for applications in tissue engineering and other biomedical fields.