Vitamin e acetate addition to poly(d,l)lactic acid modifies its mechanical behavior without affecting biocompatibility

Mechanical properties of poly(d,l)lactic acid films enriched with Vitamin E and Vitamin E Acetate (5-40% w/w) were investigated. The addition of both formulations resulted in increased polymer Young's modulus and tensile strength. Human foreskin fibroblasts and murine pre-osteoblasts were used to assess the biocompatibility of polymers. Pre-osteoblasts adhesion and proliferation were strongly decreased by Vitamin E, whereas Vitamin E Acetate did not alter cell proliferation. Collagen deposition was lower onto Vitamin E blended polymers than onto native and Vitamin E Acetate blended ones. Fibroblasts adhesion and proliferation were increased by both Vitamin E and Vitamin E Acetate addition. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 39970.