Effect of Gamma Irradiation and Simulated Physiological Conditions on the Physicochemical Properties of 3D-Printed Medical-Grade βTCP Composite

This study investigates the effects of hydration, temperature, and γ-irradiation on the structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of Lactoprene® 7415, a linear block co-polymer, consisting of 74% lactide, 15% trimethylene carbonate, and 11% ε-caprolactone repeating units, and 40 wt% β-TCP / Lactoprene® 7415 composite. Characterization techniques have evidenced a strong influence of the parameters investigated on the structure of the materials, via irradiation- or water-induced crystallinity, crosslinking, chain scission or plasticization, thereby affecting their thermal and mechanical behavior. Notably, hyperelastic characteristics were identified under simulated physiological conditions. Our results indicate that the complex interplay between the polymer, particles, temperature, hydration and water must be considered in the future designs and investigations of composite materials for scaffold guided bone regeneration (SGBR) applications.