2005 Volume 24 Issue 1 Pages 76-82
A simple and novel method —in the form of solution spraying— was developed to fabricate biodegradable, porous poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) particulates for scaffold. PLLA pellets were dissolved in an organic solvent. Then, 5% PLLA-dioxane solution was sprayed using an air-assisted atomizer with a nozzle diameter of 2.5mm at an air flow rate of 15L/min. After the sprayed solution solidified in liquid nitrogen, spherical particulates with median diameter of 225μm were obtained. Morphology of sprayed products could be altered by varying the fabrication conditions. When nozzle diameter was reduced to 1.5mm, sprayed products became fibrous. When the concentration of PLLA-dioxane solution was increased, the diameter of particulates increased too. On the other hand, when air flow rate was increased, the diameter of particulates decreased. Likewise, solidification conditions also affected the morphology of sprayed products, such that they were either thin film-like or in particulate form.
Based on the results of the present study, we concluded that PLLA particulates of varying morphologies could be obtained by adjusting the fabrication conditions.
