Page 355 - Biodegradable Polyesters

13.5 Application of Biodegradable Polyester-Based Blends and Composites 333

polymer composites have been used to manufacture several disposable medical
devices and have wide commercial applications [86].
PLA-based composites achieved their foremost commercial success as degrad-
able sutures. One of the first commercially accessible fiber-formed biodegradable
medical products is based on copolymers of glycolid in mixture with L-lactide
[87]. The use of PLA/starch [77] is beneficial due to its low toxicity and hydrolytic
degradability [88]. These composites have been accepted by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) for bone fixation and sutures [89]. Porous PCL/PLA
scaffolds have been considered to be potential rebuilding composites for injured
tissues and organs [31]. There are numerous techniques reported for the devel-
opment of such materials [1]. Polylactide-based composites have the essential
mechanical properties for efficient use in bone manufacturing [90]. PLLA/PCL
composites are commonly used in orthopedic and dental applications [73]. PGA
self-reinforced composites are used for manufacturing of absorbable sutures and
fixatives with degradation periods lower than 3 months, and PGA composites are
used in bone fixation screws and absorbable sutures [1, 78]. P-glass/PCL can be
used for long-term applications in drug delivery and hard tissue engineering [42].
Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that applies the ideology of
engineering and life sciences in the direction of the growth of biological substi-
tutes used to reestablish, uphold, or recover tissue functions [91, 92]. Composites
involving HA, TCP, and PHB can be used in tissue engineering [75]. The chief
intention of tissue engineering is to prevail over the lack of tissue donors and
the immune reaction among receptors and donors. In the course of tissue
engineering, cells are cultured on a scaffold to form a natural tissue, and then the
created tissue is rooted in the injured part in the patients. In a few cases, a scaffold
or a scaffold with cells is implanted in vivo directly, and the host’s body works as
a bioreactor to build new tissues [93]. The HA/PHB composites used in tissue
engineering shows good bonding and compatibility with the surrounding tissues.
They are used in hard tissue engineering applications [75]. A successful tissue
engineering implant mainly depends on the role played by porous scaffolds. The
ideal scaffolds should be biodegradable to support the substitution of new tissues.
Besides, the scaffolds must be biocompatible without inflammation or immune
reactions and possess proper mechanical properties to support the growth of
new tissues.

13.5.2
Commodity Applications

Owing to the increasing concern for developing eco-friendly products, the devel-
opment and use of polyester-based biodegradable composites are extensively
noticed in commodity applications. Carbon fiber reinforced PLA composites
can be used in constructional applications. These composites could be used to
support damaged columns and slabs [36] because they enhance the strength
of the structure. Natural fiber reinforced PLA composites are being used as a
food packaging material for short shelf-life goods, such as vegetables and fruits.