Nanodiamond Reinforced PLLA Nanocomposites for Bone Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Nanodiamond (ND) is an attractive nanomaterial for reinforcement of biopolymers due to the ND’s superior mechanical and chemical properties, and low biotoxicity. A novel composite material has been produced for bone scaffolds utilizing the biodegradable polymer poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and octadecylamine-functionalized nanodiamond (ND-ODA). Composites were prepared by admixing to a PLLA/chloroform solution chloroform suspension of ND-ODA in concentration range of 0–10% (w/w). The dispersion of ND-ODA evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows uniform distribution of ND-ODA in PLLA matrix. The composites were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DSC analysis of the composites showed no significant thermal behavior changes with the addition of ND-ODA into the polymer. Biomineralization test shows that ND-ODA can enhance the mineral deposition on scaffolds. Improved mechanical properties and good biocompatibility with enhanced biomineralization combined suggest that ND-ODA/PLLA might have potential applications for bone tissue engineering.