PLA/ β-TCP complex tubes: the mechanical properties and applications of artificial bone

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) twisted yarn was braided into a 6-layered, hollow, cylindrical braid on a 16-spindle braid machine. The PLA braid was then placed inside a β-TCP tube, forming the PLA/β-TCP complex tube which imitates the porous structure of sponge bone. Different components and structures were studied to determine the best bone molding material. The β-TCP tube was created by sintering TCP powder mixed with stearic acid in a ratio of 1:1.5 to form a highly porous and well-structured tube with interconnected pores; its resulting porosity was 85.8 ± 0.93%. The PLA/β-TCP complex tube was implanted in a rabbit’s femur and after 3 months a marrow cavity was discovered at the tube’s core. New bone was also observed, regenerating around the PLA braid within the PLA/β-TCP complex tube.