Biodegradable biocomposite non-woven matrices based on PDLLA- and elastin-solubilized proteins/elastin

Poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of D,L-lactide. Non-woven PDLLA matrices were prepared by an extrusion/ windi ng process. The process conditions were optimized and the surfaces of these matrices were modified by glow-discharge treatment and/or glutaraldehyde i ncorporation for immobilization of elastin-derived proteins (ESP) to the ma trix to increase the biocompatibility and also to improve the bioactivity o f the matrix. Glow-discharge conditions were optimized. Ethylene diamine (E DA) and Ar were used as the active monomers in the plasma phase. When EDA w as used, the glow-discharge treated PDLLA matrices were first allowed to be reacted with glutaraldehyde, although, when Ar used. the treated matrices were used directly for ESP immobilization. The higher degree of immobilizat ion was obtained for EDA and glutaraldehyde. The ESP-incorporated PDLLA mat rices were further treated with elastin by cross-reaction of the ESP molecu les on the matrix surfaces with elastin. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies showed that ESP were homogeneously deposited the surface of the ma trix.