Preparation and Characterization of Bioactive Poly (Lactic Acid)/SiO2―CaO Composite Membranes

A novel porous poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/SiO2―CaO(n(SiO2):n(CaO)=1:1) composite membrane is synthesized by Sol―Gel method. The microstructure and composition of the composite membranes are characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The surface zeta potential is monitored by the SurPASS electrokinetic analyzer. The bioactivity is evaluated by investigating the formation of apatite on the surface of the composite membranes in simulated body fluids and the cytotoxicity is evaluated by MTT experiments. After soaked in simulated body fluids for 7d, the surface of the PLA/SiO2―CaO composite membranes is covered by an apatite layer with an orderly ring structure. The surface zeta potential of the composite membranes decreases with increasing SiO2―CaO contents suggesting better bioactivity. The PLA/SiO2―CaO composite membranes do not induce cytotoxcity to MG―63 cells and support cell proliferation.