Preparation and Characterization of Aligned PLLA/PCL/HA Composite Fibrous Membranes

Abstract

Aligned poly(L-lactide) (PLLA)/poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL)/hydroxyapaite (HA) composite fibrous membranes were fabricated by electrospinning. Their morphology, thermal stability, mechanical properties, hydrophilic properties and biocompatibility were investigated. The electrospun fibers are highly aligned and the HA are oriented along the fiber axis. When HA are incorporated, the PLLA/PCL/HA composite fibers become thinner due to the increased conductivity. In addition, the aligned HA reinforce the electrospun fibrous membranes. The larger porosity and higher hydrophilic properties induced by HA in the electrospun fibers have improved the degradation of the PLLA/PCL/HA fibrous membranes which have no toxic effect on proliferation of adipose-derived stem cells.

Keywords:

• Electrospinning
• poly(L-lactide)
• poly(ϵ-caprolactone)
• hydroxyapaite

Acknowledgments

This work was financially supported by the National Scientific Foundation of China (51103139), Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province of China (2011CDB352) and Special Fund for Basic Scientific Research of Central Colleges (CUG090108).