Mechanical Properties and Decomposition Behavior of Compression Moldable Poly(Malic Acid)/α-Tricalcium Phosphate Hybrid Materials

Calcified tissues in living organisms, such as bone, dentin, and enamel, often require surgical intervention for treatment. However, advances in regenerative medicine have increased the demand for materials to assist in regenerating these tissues. Among the various forms of calcium phosphate (CaP), tricalcium phosphate (TCP)-particularly its α-TCP form-stands out due to its high solubility and efficient calcium release, making it a promising candidate for bone regeneration applications. Nevertheless, its rapid dissolution rate presents challenges when used as a reinforcing agent. In this study, we developed a hybrid material composed of poly(malic acid) (PMA) and α-TCP to achieve controlled calcium release while maintaining mechanical strength. The hybrid materials were prepared using a compression molding method optimized to suppress the hydrolysis of PMA. The bond between the carboxyl group of PMA and α-TCP was confirmed through infrared (IR) spectroscopy. A calcium release test demonstrated that the interaction between PMA and α-TCP extends the dissolution period of both components. These findings indicate that PMA/α-TCP hybrid materials have significant potential for applications in bone tissue engineering.