LAUSR

The aim of this study was to incorporate nanoscale Fe3O4 particles into a poly-L-lactide (PLLA) matrix to fabricate a magnetic and biodegradable composite. The physical and osteogenic functions of this material were tested. Injection molding was used to fabricate four nano-Fe3O4/PLLA composites with Fe3O4 mix ratios of 0%, 20%, 30%, and 40% (w/w). X-ray diffraction and hysteresis loop tests were performed to evaluate the physical properties of the nano-Fe3O4/PLLA composites. Tensile strength tests showed that the progressive addition of nano-Fe3O4 particles to the PLLA matrix results in higher elastic modulus and lower tensile strength. Images from scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that osteoblasts cultured on the 20% nano-Fe3O4/PLLA surface exhibited abundant filaments, which are a morphologic characteristic of osteoblastic differentiation. These results suggest that the 20% nano-Fe3O4/PLLA composite used in this study has the potential for future tissue engineering applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers