Influence of the different composites (PLA/PLLA/HA/β-TCP) contents manufactured with the use of additive laser technology on the biocompatibility

PURPOSE In recent years, it has become extremely important to search for more and more natural and biocompatible materials that allow for the reconstruction of natural tissues with as few side effects as possible. The aim of the present paper is to define mechanical properties such as compressive stress and Young's Modulus and to estimate the ability of human bone cell strains to form biofilm on bioresorbable composites manufactured of polylactide and poly-l-lactide (PLA and PLLA) and hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate (HA and β-TCP) with the use of Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) method. METHODS Microbiological tests were conducted on three variants of solid specimen made with additive laser technology. Samples with different chemical compositions were made with appropriate manufacturing parameters ensuring stability of both composite ingredients. Microbiological in vitro tests helped to determine cytotoxicity of specific samples toward bone cells. RESULTS The results obtained indicate significantly increased ability of osteoblasts to form colonies on the surface of materials with higher content of hydroxyapatite ceramics compared to surfaces of lower hydroxyapatite content. CONCLUSIONS The data provided can be useful for future applications of the SLS technology in production of bioresorbable PLA/PLLA/HA/β-TCP medical implants.