Controllable structure, properties, and degradation of the electrospun PLGA/PLA-blended nanofibrous scaffolds

Abstract

In this research, the PLGA/PLA-blended nanofibers were successfully prepared by electrospinning. The macro-micro structure, thermal stability, hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, and in vitro degradation of the electrospun PLGA/PLA nanofibrous scaffolds are characterized by means of SEM, FTIR, DSC, TG, contact angle, instron tensile tester, and degradation testing. The results showed that electrospun PLGA/PLA-blended nanofibrous scaffolds possessed nanofibrous and porous structures. The structural stability, crystallinity, wettability, and mechanical properties, especially the in vitro degradation rate, of the electrospun PLGA/PLA-blended nanofibrous scaffolds could be controlled by regulating the blended ratio of the poly(lactide-co- glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(lactide) (PLA). The results indicated that the electrospun PLGA/PLA-blended nanofibrous scaffolds could be considered as ideal candidates for tissue engineering scaffolds. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.