A novel method to process electrospun poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) membranes incorporating glass reinforced hydroxyapatite granules (gHA) interspacially between the polymeric fibers is reported, thus increasing the surface area for cellular interactions. gHA granules (≤150μm) electrospun together with the polymer solution, lead to an average fiber diameter of 550±150nm for pristine PLLA and 440±170nm for the composite samples. An increase of the overall porosity was observed, from 79±3% for the PLLA up to 88±5% for the hybrid samples, keeping material's wettability and mechanical properties. Bone-bonding ability showed that both samples induced HA crystal nucleation, but with a distinct pattern of mineral deposition. gHA microcomposite allows a better F-actin cytoskeleton organization during the initial adhesion and spreading, favoring cell-fibers and cell-to-cell interactions and enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity, making them potential candidates for bone healing strategies.
Keywords: Biomaterial; Bone grafts; Bone regeneration; Electrospun microcomposite fibers; Glass-reinforced hydroxyapatite; Poly(lactic acid).
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