Porous and dense poly(L-lactic acid) and poly(D,L-lactic acid co-glycolic acid) scaffolds:: In vitro degradation in culture medium and osteoblasts culture

The use of bioresorbable polymers as a support for culturing cells has received special attention as an alternative for the treatment of lesions and the loss of tissue. The aim of this work was to evaluate the degradation in cell culture medium of dense and porous scaffolds of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(D,L-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (50:50) (PLGA(50)) prepared by casting. The adhesion and morphology of osteoblast cells on the surface of these polymers was evaluated. Thermal analyses were done by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis and cell morphology was assessed by scanning electron microscopy. Autocatalysis was observed in PLGA(50) samples because of the concentration of acid constituents in this material. Samples of PLLA showed no autocatalysis and hence no changes in their morphology, indicating that this polymer can be used as a structural support. Osteoblasts showed low adhesion to PLLA compared to PLGA(50). The cell morphology on the surface of these materials was highly dispersed, which indicated a good interaction of the cells with the polymer substrate. (C) 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers.