Dissolution behavior of biomimetic minerals on 3D PLGA scaffold

The bone-like carbonate apatite (BLCA) coatings have a great potential to apply in orthopaedic and dental implants due to their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. The BLCA layer can be coated biomimetically in the surfaces of polymers or inorganic materials using simulated body plasma. We have prepared 3D poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) porous scaffolds by solvent casting/particulate leaching method. The BLCA was coated on 3D PLGA scaffolds incubating them at 37 °C with modified simulated body fluid. We investigate the dissolution behavior of BLCA coated on PLGA scaffolds in two physiological medias such as Tris-buffered saline (pH = 7.4), 2-(N-morpholino)-ethanesulfonic acid (MES) (pH = 5.5), and cell culture media containing αMEM supplemented with 10% FBS and 1% penicillin–streptomycin. The BLCA dissolution and release ionic components were analyzed using FTIR, SEM and ICP. Approximately 70% of mineral was dissolved in Tris-buffered saline (8 ml) within 6 h relative to 48 h dissolution period. The investigation of mineral dissolution behavior is important when this BLCA use as a carrier for therapeutic agents in orthopaedic and dental implant applications.