Magnetic polylactic acid-calcium phosphate-based biocomposite as a potential biomaterial for tissue engineering applications

This work aims the manufacture of injection molded polylactic acid (PLA)-based magnetic biocomposites, presenting an alternative approach to enhance the magnetic susceptibility of PLA-based biocomposites without resorting to the exclusive incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles whose long-term side effects are still unclear. Magnetic biocomposites were obtained by incorporating 5 wt% of iron doped biphasic calcium phosphate (FeBCP) powders into the PLA matrix and compared with similar composites containing 2 and 5 wt% of non-doped BCP powder, as well as neat PLA. The chemical, thermal, mechanical, and magnetic performances were evaluated. Biodegradability according to two sterilization methods used and cytotoxicity were also assessed. The composites with FeBCP exhibited a typical ferromagnetic-like behavior and presented a superior tensile strength even with low concentrations of FeBCP, when compared to PLA or non-doped composites, besides being cytocompatible. The presented proof of concept paves the way for future developments of new magnetic PLA-based biocomposites for biomedical applications.