Fabrication, Mechanical Testing, and Biocompatibility Assessment of Biopolymer Composites for Biomedical Implant Applications

Abstract

The increasing demand for biocompatible and mechanically reliable materials in biomedical implant applications has driven extensive research into biopolymer-based composites as viable alternatives to conventional metallic implants. This study presents the fabrication, mechanical characterization, and biocompatibility assessment of novel biopolymer composites reinforced with bioactive fillers for load- bearing and non-load-bearing implant applications. Biopolymers such as polylactic acid and chitosan were selected due to their biodegradability, tunable mechanical properties, and favorable biological interactions. Composite samples were fabricated using solvent casting and compression molding techniques to ensure uniform filler dispersion and structural integrity. Mechanical testing including tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural behavior, and hardness was conducted following ASTM standards to evaluate suitability for implant environments. In vitro biocompatibility was assessed using cytotoxicity assays, cell adhesion studies, and surface morphology analysis. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of bioactive fillers significantly enhances mechanical performance while maintaining excellent cytocompatibility. The study confirms that properly engineered biopolymer composites can achieve mechanical properties comparable to cancellous bone while promoting favorable cellular responses. These findings highlight the potential of biopolymer composites as next-generation materials for orthopedic and dental implant applications, offering improved biological integration and reduced long-term complications compared to traditional implant materials.