Preparation of core–shell poly(l-lactic) acid-nanocrystalline apatite hollow microspheres for bone repairing applications

In this paper, hybrid inorganic–organic core–shell hollow microspheres, made of poly( l -lactic acid) (PLLA) and biomimetic nano apatites (HA), were prepared from biodegradable and biocompatible substances, suitable for bone tissue applications. Preparation is started from Pickering emulsification, i.e., solid particle-stabilized emulsions in the absence of any molecular surfactant, where solid particles adsorbed to an oil–water interface. Stable oil-in-water emulsions were produced using biomimetic 20 nm sized HA nanocrystals as particulate emulsifier and a dichloromethane (CH 2 Cl 2 ) solution of PLLA as oil phase. Hybrid hollow PLLA microspheres at three different HA nanocrystals surface coverage, ranging from 10 to 50 μm, were produced. The resulting materials were completely characterized with spectroscopic, calorimetric and microscopic techniques and the cytocompatibility was established by indirect contact tests with both fibroblasts and osteoblasts and direct contact with these latter. They displayed a high level of cytocompatibility and thus represent promising materials for drug delivery systems, cell carriers and scaffolds for regeneration of bone useful in the treatment of orthopaedic, maxillofacial and dental fields.