Riboflavin as a Dual-Function Additive for Enhancing Biodegradation in Piezoelectric PLA/BT Composites
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Poly(lactic acid)/barium titanate (PLA/BT) composites exhibit piezoelectric properties desirable for bone tissue engineering, but their low biodegradability limits implant resorption. In this study, riboflavin (RF) is introduced as a dual-function additive that enhances biodegradation in PLA/BT composites. Its addition led to significantly increased microbial colonization and a five-fold higher mass loss compared to unmodified samples. These observations are consistent with the known polarity of RF and its role as a cofactor in microbial metabolism. The PLA/BT/RF composites are subjected to full characterization, including thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile testing, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), dielectric permittivity measurements, and determination of piezoelectric coefficient d33. Compared to PLA/BT, RF-containing composites exhibit significantly accelerated biodegradation, with mass loss reaching up to 16% after 28 days, while maintaining functional piezoelectricity (d33 ≈ 3.9 pC/N). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) performed after biodegradation reveals intensified microbial colonization and surface deterioration in the RF-modified samples. The data confirm that riboflavin serves as an effective modifier, enabling controlled biodegradation without compromising electromechanical performance. These results support the use of PLA-based piezoelectric composites for resorbable biomedical implants.
Source: Materials
DOI: 10.3390/ma18163860
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4413283314