Three-dimensional degradable porous polymer-ceramic matrices for use in bone repair

A degradable polymer-ceramic matrix for use as a bone graft material is described. The fabrication method used produces 3-dimensional macroporous matrices which are structurally similar to cancellous bone in their porosity, mechanically similar to cancellous bone in compressive elastic modulus and chemically comparable to the mineral matrix of bone in that they contain hydroxyapatite (HA). A 50:50 copolymer of poly(lactide/glycolide) (PLAGA) reinforced by a particulate calcium phosphate ceramic, HA, was used to create a matrix composed of polymeric microspheres. The channels between these spheres were pores approximately 100 mu m in diameter, Four polymer/ceramic ratios were used in matrix fabrication: 1:0, 1:1, 2.5:1, and 5:1. The mechanical behavior of the material was found to vary with ceramic content. Increased levels of HA resulted in increased compressive elastic moduli. Prior to polymer degradation, moduli ranged from a high of 1459 MPa (50% HA) to a low of 293 MPa (0% HA). Degradation studies over a 6-week period showed that 0 and 16.7% HA-containing matrices lost up to 50% of their original weight, while the 28.6 and 50% HA-containing matrices lost up to 20% of their original weight. Increased HA matrix content translated into decreased rates of matrix degradation. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) confirmed that the polymer matrix contained pores that were interconnected during degradation. Viewed via ESEM, 10% HA containing matrices completely degraded by 6 weeks, while 50% HA matrices remained relatively stable. These studies indicate that the porous 3-dimensional polymer/ceramic matrix may potentially be useful as a synthetic material for bone repair.