Exploring the frontier of Polylactic Acid/Hydroxyapatite composites in bone regeneration and their revolutionary biomedical applications – A review
Francis T. Omigbodun, Bankole I. Oladapo, Norman Osa-uwagboe
Abstract
This review research investigates the potential of Polylactic Acid (PLA)/Hydroxyapatite (HA) composites in bone regeneration, focusing on the composites’ synthesis methods, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility. Through an extensive examination of various preparation techniques, such as solvent evaporation, phase separation, electrospinning, and lyophilisation, the study assesses how these methods influence the physical and biological properties of PLA/HA composites. Significant findings from the review highlight that PLA/HA composites enhance osteoblast activity and proliferation, demonstrating an increase in cell adhesion by up to 25% compared to PLA alone. These composites substantially improve mechanical properties, increasing compressive strength and fracture toughness by approximately 30% and 50%, respectively. These enhancements are pivotal for applications requiring robust, load-bearing materials supporting bone tissue integration and regeneration. In conclusion, due to their optimised mechanical strength, biodegradability, and bioactivity, PLA/HA composites are promising biomaterials for orthopaedic and dental applications. The review suggests future research directions focused on long-term clinical outcomes and further material refinement to maximise clinical efficacy and patient compatibility.