Biodegradation of PLA-Pennisetum purpureum based biocomposite scaffold

The in vitro degradation and mechanical properties of a 3D porous Pennisetum purpureum (PP)/polylactic acid (PLA). based scaffold was investigated. In this study, composite scaffolds with PP to PLA ratio of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% were immersed in PBS solution at 37 degrees C for 40 days. Interestingly, the degradation rate was reduced for the PLA/PP20 scaffold, though insignificantly, this could be attributed to the improved mechanical properties and stronger fibre-matrix interface. The FESEM results indicated that a sound fibre-matrix interface was formed in the PLA/PP20 scaffold, which reflected the addition of P. purpureum into PLA decreasing the degradation rate compared to in pure PLA scaffolds. The results suggest that the P. purpureum/PLA scaffold degradation rate can be altered and controlled to meet the requirement imposed by a given tissue engineering application.