Preparation of PLGA-PEG/Hydroxyapatite Composites via Simple Methodology of Film Formation and Assessment of Their Structural, Thermal, and Biological Features

Abstract

This study aimed to develop polymeric composite films suitable for applications in the field of bone tissue engineering. The preparation of PLGA-PEG/HAP composite films was achieved using a simple methodology, including mixing, sonication, and casting-drying stages. Characterization analyses, including FTIR, SEM, TGA-DSC, and XRD, were conducted to assess the properties of the composite films. The results showed that the PEG polymer decreased the glass transition temperature of the composite, while the HAP did not change. Further, weight remaining (%) values of HAP, PLGA-PEG, and PLGA-PEG/HAP were found as 94.04, 88.28, and 90.57, respectively. Thus, it can be concluded that HAP improves the thermal stability of PLGA-PEG. The outcomes of the analysis, encompassing the evaluation of physical, morphological, and thermal properties, demonstrate that the composite structure comprising PLGA and PEG polymers along with HAP ceramic material may attain the intended quality. Moreover, fluorescence microscopy was employed to visualize the interaction between cells and the composite films following DAPI staining to evaluate cell adhesion and proliferation on the PLGA-PEG/HAP composite films. PLGA-PEG/HAP composite films have no adverse effects on cells, such as toxicity, and they have also exhibited a favorable influence on cell proliferation, supporting an augmentation in cellular growth and adhesion. Overall, the results indicate that the synthesized PLGA-PEG/HAP composite films may hold the potential to serve as a promising candidate for applications in the field of bone tissue engineering.