Tailored Biopolyester/β‐Tricalcium Phosphate Composites for Potential Bone Tissue Applications

作者：Miguel Albuquerque, M.F.C. Pereira, L. Reis, Ana Paula Soares Dias · 发表于：Advanced Engineering Materials · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.1002/adem.70999 · 研究领域：Bone Tissue Engineering Materials、biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties、Electrospun Nanofibers in Biomedical Applications

The development of composite scaffolds that effectively combine bioresorbability with osteoconductivity remains a major challenge in bone tissue engineering. This study presents the design, synthesis, and characterization of a novel composite integrating polyglycerol citrate (PGCit), a sustainable and biocompatible polyester, with β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP), a well‐known osteoconductive ceramic. To enhance biocompatibility and eliminate cytotoxic risks from metallic residues, PGCit was synthesized via a catalyst‐free polycondensation route. A dedicated software tool, the PGCit Analyzer, was developed to predict reaction kinetics and polymer properties using multivariate (PLS) analysis of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra. β‐TCP was synthesized by precipitation and calcination, yielding high‐purity crystalline material. The resulting β‐TCP/PGCit composites exhibited a markedly transformed microarchitecture. Microcomputed tomography revealed a 13.4‐fold increase in open porosity and a 113% increase in total porosity compared to pure β‐TCP scaffolds, generating a highly interconnected porous network. Mechanically, PGCit acted as a structural binder, reducing friability and producing a composite with a Young's modulus of 242 MPa and a yield stress of 48.4 MPa. Additionally, PGCit degradation releases citric acid and glycerol, which may support osteogenic activity. These findings position the β‐TCP/PGCit composite as a promising candidate for bone regenera...