In Vitro Degradation of Poly(caprolactone)/nHA Composites

Abstract

The degradation behavior and mechanical properties of polycaprolactone/nanohydroxyapatite composite scaffolds are studied in phosphate buffered solution (PBS), at 37°C, over 16 weeks. Under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it was observed that the longer the porous scaffolds remained in the PBS, the more significant the thickening of the pore walls of the scaffold morphology was. A decrease in the compressive properties, such as the modulus and the strength of the PCL/nHA composite scaffolds, was observed as the degradation experiment progressed. Samples with high nHA concentrations degraded more significantly in comparison to those with a lower content. Pure PCL retained its mechanical properties comparatively well in the study over the period of degradation. After the twelfth week, the results obtained by GPC analysis indicated a significant reduction in their molecular weight. The addition of nHA particles to the scaffolds accelerated the weight loss of the composites and increased their capacity to absorb water during the initial degradation process. The addition of these particles also affected the degradation behavior of the composite scaffolds, although they were not effective at compensating the decrease in pH prompted by the degradation products of the PCL.

Enhanced peripheral nerve regeneration through asymmetrically porous nerve guide conduit with nerve growth factor gradient

“…This is probably owing to the effective permission of nutrients/oxygen but prevention of the infiltration of fibrous tissues into the tube, as well as correct guidance of the nerve regeneration from proximal to distal stumps in the Micropore NGC. We assumed that the NGCs with highly porous structure may not lead to nerve compression after implantation, because of their flexible property and softening with degradation . And also, we expected that the sustained release of NGF with gradient concentration from the membrane [Fig.…”

A new insight into in vitro behaviour of poly(ε-caprolactone)/bioactive glass composites in biologically related fluids

“…On the other hand, modification of semicrystalline polymers (e.g. PCL) with hydrophilic ceramic fillers, such as nano-HAp [10], TCP [8], bioactive glass and calcium silicate particles [11], improved surface wettability, enhanced water absorption and diffusion into the bulk of polymer matrix, and also increased the surface area of a hydrolytic attack through the interface of the fillers and polymer. This, in turn, led to faster polymer degradation.…”

“…Another way of accelerating PCL degradation is modification with hydrophilic ceramic fillers (e.g. nanoHAp, TCP, bioactive glass and calcium silicate particles) [8,10,11] that affect surface and bulk properties of the material, such as wettability, water absorption and polymer matrix crystallinity. However, there is limited number of research concerning the influence of the chemical composition of ceramic fillers on degradation behaviour of aliphatic polyesters.…”

Design and optimization of biocompatible polycaprolactone/poly (l‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) scaffolds with and without microgrooves for tissue engineering applications

“…PLGA‐based biomaterials with nano/microporous allow nutrient permeability and favor cell adhesion and proliferation . PCL presents good mechanical proprieties and has been used in blends with other biocompatible polymers to counterbalance biological and mechanical features . Blends of PCL and PLGA are used to control cell adhesion and to adjust degradation time …”