Preparation and Properties of Stereocomplex of Poly(lactic acid) and Its Amphiphilic Copolymers Containing Glucose Groups

Scalable Continuous Manufacturing Process of Stereocomplex PLA by Twin-Screw Extrusion

A scalable continuous manufacturing method to produce stereocomplex PLA was developed and optimized by melt-blending a 1:1 blend of high molecular weight poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and high molecular weight poly(D-lactide) (PDLA) in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. Thermal characteristics of stereocomplex formation were characterized via DSC to identify the optimal temperature profile and time for processing stereocomplex PLA. At the proper temperature window, high stereocomplex formation is achieved as the twin-screw extruder allows for alignment of the chains; this is due to stretching of the polymer chains in the extruder. The extruder processing conditions were optimized and used to produce >95% of stereocomplex PLA conversion (melting peak temperature T_pm = 240 °C). ATR-FTIR depicts the formation of stereocomplex crystallites based on the absorption band at 908 cm^-1 (β helix). The only peaks observed for stereocomplex PLA's WAXD profile were at 2θ values of 12, 21, and 24°, verifying >99% of stereocomplex formation. The total crystallinity of stereocomplex PLA ranges from 56 to 64%. A significant improvement in the tensile behavior was observed in comparison to the homopolymers, resulting in a polymer of high strength and toughness. These results lead us to propose stereocomplex PLA as a potential additive/fiber that can reinforce the material properties of neat PLA.

Meniscus regeneration by 3D printing technologies: Current advances and future perspectives

Meniscal tears are a frequent orthopedic injury commonly managed by conservative strategies to avoid osteoarthritis development descending from altered biomechanics. Among cutting-edge approaches in tissue engineering, 3D printing technologies are extremely promising guaranteeing for complex biomimetic architectures mimicking native tissues. Considering the anisotropic characteristics of the menisci, and the ability of printing over structural control, it descends the intriguing potential of such vanguard techniques to meet individual joints’ requirements within personalized medicine. This literature review provides a state-of-the-art on 3D printing for meniscus reconstruction. Experiences in printing materials/technologies, scaffold types, augmentation strategies, cellular conditioning have been compared/discussed; outcomes of pre-clinical studies allowed for further considerations. To date, translation to clinic of 3D printed meniscal devices is still a challenge: meniscus reconstruction is once again clear expression of how the integration of different expertise (e.g., anatomy, engineering, biomaterials science, cell biology, and medicine) is required to successfully address native tissues complexities.

Modulation of the PLLA Morphology through Racemic Nucleation to Reach Functional Properties Required by 3D Printed Durable Applications

This paper presents an alternative for enhancing the durability of poly (L-lactide) (PLLA) by racemic nucleation following stereo-complexation with a selected poly (D-lactide) (PLDA). The compounds are obtained by melt blending of a PLLA grade, previously designed for 3D printing but with a low heat deflection temperature and impact resistance, with grades of PLDA differing in their molecular weight (Mw), D-lactide content (DS) and concentration. Our method considered how to reveal the racemic nucleation caused by stereo-complexation and its influence on functional properties. The FTIR study we performed showed that, depending on Mw, DS and concentration of the stereo-complexer (PDLA) used, bigger or smaller spectral changes can occur. The stereo-complexation was confirmed by the DSC analysis and, for the selected compound, by the POM, SEM, AFM microscopies, functional property and shapeability as 3D printing filaments. All the obtained results sustain the idea that, if a PLLA with Mw of 4.5 × 104 g·mol-1 is modified with PDLA with a medium Mw of 11.6 × 104 g·mol-1, medium DS of 4% and 1% concentration, a racemic nucleation is possible. It produces a racemic polylactic acid (PDLLA) with improved durability and good shapeability as 3D printing filaments. These results are explicable if the dependence of the intermolecular interactions appears between the PLLA and stereo-complexer PDLA. To enlarge the durable applicability of racemic polylactic acid (PDLLA), future research should identify other parameters controling the PLA stereo-complexing as the intensifying the mobility of the macromolecules, the finding of the optimal recemic cristalization window.

Surface Modification of Poly(l-lactic acid) through Stereocomplexation with Enantiomeric Poly(d-lactic acid) and Its Copolymer

Poly(l-lactic acid) with high molecular weight was used to prepare PLLA films by means of the solvent casting technique. Poly(d-lactic acid) (PDLA) and poly(d-lactic acid-co-glucose) copolymer (PDLAG) with a low molecular weight were synthesized from d-lactic acid and glucose through melt polycondensation. PLLA films were immersed in PDLA or PDLAG solution to prepare surface-modified PLLA films. The modified PLLA film presented stereocomplex crystal (SC) on its surface and homogeneous crystals (HC) in its bulk. The HC structure and surface morphology of modified PLLA films were obviously damaged by PDLA or PDLAG solution. With increasing immersion time, the PLLA films modified by PDLA decreased both the HC and SC structure, while the PLLA films modified by PDLAG increased the SC structure and decreased the HC structure. Hydrophilic glucose residues of PDLAG on the surface would improve the hydrophilicity of surface-modified PLLA films. Moreover, the hydrophilicity of glucose residues and the interaction of glucose residues with lactic acid units could retard HC destruction and SC crystallization, so that PLLA films modified by PDLAG possessed lower melting temperatures of HC and SC, the crystallinity of SC and the water contact angle, compared with PDLAG-modified PLLA films. The SC structure could improve the heat resistance of modified PLLA film, but glucose residues could block crystallization to promote the thermal degradation of PLA materials. The surface modification of PLLA films will improve the thermal stability, hydrophilicity and crystallization properties of PLA materials, which is essential in order to obtain PLA-based biomaterials.