Development and Characterization of a Poly(<scp>l</scp>‐<i>co</i>‐<scp>d</scp>,<scp>l</scp> Lactic Acid‐<i>co</i>‐Trimethylene Carbonate) and Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Blend for Potential Meniscal Repair

ABSTRACT Meniscal injuries, arising from trauma, aging, or wear, present a significant challenge in modern orthopedics. This study aimed to develop and analyze the properties of a blend composed of poly( l ‐ co ‐ l , l ‐lactic acid‐ co ‐trimethylene carbonate) (PLDLA‐TMC) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in a 50/50 ratio, prepared by physical crosslinking, with the aim of evaluating its potential as a biomaterial for meniscus application. FTIR results revealed physical interactions between PLDLA‐TMC and PVA. SEM analysis showed a porous and rough surface in the blend, with an average pore size of 115 μm, which may favor cell proliferation. Additionally, the blend exhibited a high crosslinking density (3.2 × 10 −3 g/cm 3 ), influencing the percentage of pores and contributing to the increased rigidity of the material, as observed in the mechanical compression test. The in vitro biological assay demonstrated that the material is biocompatible. These properties suggest that the blend is a promising candidate for supporting meniscal injury repair.