Effect of Bioactive Glass on PXDDA / PXDDA-co-PLA Nanocomposite for Hard Tissue Reconstruction: Synthesis and Characterization

Newer bone graft materials face various challenges in achieving optimal mechanical strength, bioactivity, and antibacterial action simultaneously, which can result in suboptimal regeneration outcomes and increased infection risks In the present study, we developed a novel nanocomposite of poly (xylitol- co -dodecanedioic acid) (PXDDA) and poly (lactic acid) (PLA) with 1–10 wt% incorporation of bioactive glass (BG), utilizing a a PXDDA-co-PLA compatibilizer for maintaining homogeneity. Extensive characterization techniques including, Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauere Emmette Teller (BET), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H NMR) and contact angle measurements, revealed that the addition of BG imparted a microporous, rough surface morphology (with a contact angle of 55–60°), ideal for cell attachment. Mechanical testing demonstrated a significant enhancement with 10 wt% BG, increasing tensile strength by approximately 120 % while reducing elongation. In vitro bioactivity tests indicated that hydroxyapatite deposition depended on BG concentration, reaching a maximum of 96.7 % surface coverage at 10 wt% BG. Antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli confirmed substantial inhibition (approximately 85 % decrease), with saturation occurring at 7 wt% BG. With tunable mechanical properties, enhanced biomineralization, and intrinsic antibacterial capacity, this nanocomposite overcomes the significant limitations of existing bone grafts, providing a clinically viable load-bearing alternative.