326 Resorbable Composite Materials for Fracture Fixation

Abstract Introduction Titanium-based fracture fixation devices often necessitate removal in the maxillofacial region. Resorbable composite implants negate need for a revision operation; however, concurrent either possess prolonged degradation profile or bioactivity, resulting undesirable bone deposition. To that end, novel, fast-resorbing, non-bioactive material is proposed, which still possesses an osteoinductive potential, thereby aiding healing. Method Three bioglasses were available (NCL1-3) as filler material. NCL2 was selected and different concentrations (5%; 20%) added to reinforce medical grade poly(lactic-co- glycolide) (PLGA). The final compression moulded samples underwent characterisation 8-week assay. Results No significant difference found between cytotoxicity of glasses both positive (apatite wollastonite) negative (absence glass) controls relation mesenchymal stem cells osteoblasts. pH weight change analyses showed increased rate with increase glass concentration. Although reinforcement did not mechanical properties polymer, no present composites, and, made, 5% 20% composites had flexural strengths 13MPa±5, decrease significantly during degradation. Conclusions NCL1-3 are non-toxic context PLGA/NCL2 suitable produced currently, due polymer lower properties. However, compositions recommended future research, they would hypothetically provide superior response without lowering composite.