Electrospun Apatite/Polymer Nano-Composite Scaffolds

Abstract

An artificial bone composite structure is provided. This structure includes a fibrous matrix that itself includes a plurality of fibers. Also, the structure includes a plurality of hydroxyapatite (HA) particles. These particles are dispersed within the fibrous matrix. Also, the HA particles have controlled size and aspect ratios and are aligned along long axes of the fibers. In some instances, the fibers include poly-(L-lactic acid) (PLLA).

1 . A method of forming a bone composite structure, the method comprising:
 adding hydroxyapatite (HA) particles to a poly-(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) solution to form a mixture; and   forming an HA/PLLA fiber by electrospinning the mixture.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the forming step comprises the fiber to have a diameter of between approximately 50 nm and several micrometers. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 forming the HA particles to be sized between approximately 10 nm and approximately 10 micrometers.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 forming the HA particles to have aspect ratios of between approximately 5 and approximately 50.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the forming step comprises:
 utilizing substantially co-axial dual spinnerets during the electrospinning of the mixture.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the forming step comprises: utilizing a rotating drum as a collector during the electrospinning of the mixture. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 immersing the fiber in a modified simulated body fluid (m-SBF) solution.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 pumping the m-SBF through a pumping device during the immersing step.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 creat large pores by electrospinning to enhance mass transfer in the structure.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 incorporating poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microspheres among the plurality of fibers.