Investigation of Synergetic Hybrid of MgO/ZnO/Crab Shell Reinforced PLA Composite for Bone Tissue Applications

Regeneration of bone defects as a result of trauma, accident, infection, tumors and inherent genetic disorders is one of the important difficulties encounter by medical science. Bone treatment options have been limited to bone grafting with drawbacks such as lack of donor, donor site, and stress shielding effect. Hence, biomaterials are needed to match the exiting bone treatment options. In this article, we aimed to investigate synergetic hybrid of MgO/ZnO/crab shell reinforced polylactic acid composite as a bone tissue candidate. Polylactic acid and synergetic hybrid of MgO/ZnO/crab shell composite were developed via melt blending technique. Chemical, apparent porosity and degradation properties were investigated further. The MgO, ZnO and crab shell particles shows hygroscopic properties. Fractured surface and porous microstructure were seen on the composite structure with average pore size suitable for bone cells implantation and propagation (100 μm). Precipitation of apatite formation on the surface of the composite, with composition of calcium, oxygen and phosphorus having Ca/P ratio of 1.625. Composite shows symmetry and asymmetry bond stretching, and crystalline structure, and the average pH value of 7.84 with apparent porosity of 40%. This reveals the potential of the composite as a bone graft candidate.