Incorporation of PLLA micro-fillers for mechanical reinforcement of calcium-phosphate cement

Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) are biocompatible, resorbable, injectable and osteoconductive. Those properties render such materials suitable for applications where bone repair and regeneration is required However, their brittle nature limits their application only to non-load-bearing applications. The incorporation of long polymeric fibers can improve the mechanical properties of CPCs, but aggregation is a major problem. Instead, short polymeric fillers can be easily dispersed in the cement matrix, but their reinforcing effect has not been studied yet. In this study, continuous poly-(L)-lactic acid fibers (PLLA) with a smooth or porous surface morphology were prepared by electrospinning. PLLA micro-fillers were developed, by means of an aminolysis process, and added to alpha-TCP or alpha-TCP/PLGA-based cements. Micro-filler distribution as well as the morphology, cohesiveness, setting times and mechanical properties were evaluated. PLLA micro-fillers were homogeneously dispersed throughout the cement while the handling properties were not significantly affected. A decrease in the initial setting times was observed when PLLA was added, while the mechanical properties were comparable to those of the alpha-TPC or alpha-TCP/PLGA compositions.