title: PLA/chitosan/keratin composites for biomedical applications.
abstract: Novel composites based on PLA, chitosan and keratin was obtained via blend preparation. The goal of this contribution was to evaluate mechanical and in vitro behavior of the composites. The results point out composites with improved Young modulus and decreased tensile strength, significant increase in hardness (compared to PLA) and a good uptake of the surface properties. Biological assessments using human osteosarcoma cell line on these composites indicate a good viability/proliferation outcome. Hence preliminary results regarding mechanical behavior and in vitro osteoblast response suggest that these composites might have prospective application in medical field.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, 'Grigore T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 9-13 Kogalniceanu Street, 700454 Iasi, Romania. Electronic address: etanase@live.com.
authors.forename: Constantin Edi
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Tanase
authors.affiliation: "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania.
authors.forename: Iuliana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Spiridon
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry*; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D006244:Hardness; D006801:Humans; D007633:Keratins / Q000737:chemistry*; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties; D013718:Tensile Strength
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide); D007633:Keratins; D048271:Chitosan
keywords: Biomaterials; Chitosan; In vitro studies; Keratin; Mechanical properties; PLA