Novel PLA/Mg composites for bone repair: considerations for upscaling

Abstract

Polylactic acid reinforced with magnesium metallic particles (PLA/Mg) has been recently proposed as biodegradable and bioabsorbable composite for bone repair, because they can overcome some disadvantages of biomedical neat polymers or Mg-base materials [1,2]. With regards to the neat polymer, Mg improves its mechanical properties, regulates cell behaviour and inflammatory response, enhances the osteogenic commitment, and decreases bacteria viability, without altering physiological pH during in vitro degradation [3,4]. With regards to Mg, PLA diminishes its degradation rate [2]. Success of PLA/Mg composites for a specific application will depend on an appropriate design (volume fraction and distribution of Mg particles) and processing route, which should promote a homogeneous dispersion of reinforcement while keeping degradation of the polymer to a minimum.