Novel 3D porous multi-phase composite scaffolds based on PCL, thermoplastic zein and ha prepared via supercritical CO2 foaming for bone regeneration

Abstract

The aim of this study was the design of novel biodegradable porous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering (bTE) via supercritical CO 2 (scCO 2 ) foaming process. The porous scaffolds were prepared from a poly(ε-caprolactone)-thermoplastic zein multi-phase blend w/o interdispersed hydroxyapatite particles (HA) and the porous structure achieved via the scCO 2 foaming technology. The control of scaffolds porosity was obtained by modulating materials formulation and foaming temperature (T F ). The scaffolds were subjected to morphological, micro-structural and biodegradation analyses, as well as in vitro biocompatibility tests. Results demonstrated that both HA concentration and T F significantly affected the micro-structural features of the scaffolds.In particular, scaffolds with porosity and pore size distribution, mechanical properties and biodegradability adequate for bTE were designed and produced by selecting a T F equal to 100°C for all the compositions used. The biocompatibility of these scaffolds was assessed in vitro by using osteoblast-like MG63 and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs).

Evaluation of polyphenylene ether ether sulfone/nanohydroxyapatite nanofiber composite as a biomaterial for hard tissue replacement

“…While it was noted that the PPEES nanofiber mat possessed low levels of stiffness, as inferred from Table 1, the incorporation of the inorganic filler into the PPEES nanofiber matrix enhanced the percentage of elongation with slight reduction in tensile strength, which was concurrent with earlier studies (Salerno et al 2010). The increase in percentage of elongation was explained by considering that the HA particles in the continuous phase of the polymer matrix constituted a second phase.…”

The effect of processing parameters and solid concentration on the mechanical and microstructural properties of freeze-casted macroporous hydroxyapatite scaffolds

“…In recent years, several techniques have been employed to fabricate porous scaffolds, i.e., solvent casting/particulate leaching [4][5][6][7], gas foaming [8][9][10], rapid prototyping [11][12][13], extrusion [14,15], phase separation [16][17][18][19] and freeze-casting [3,[20][21][22]. In the pursuit of such processing routes, freeze-casting has attracted considerably more focus in the last few years.…”

Effect of compatibilizers on in vitro biocompatibility of PLA–HA bioscaffold

“…23 Although recent developments in bone tissue engineering are based on the cell-scaffold interactions, development of technologies for the production and characterisation of porous scaffolds allowed the birth of novel biocomposite scaffolds: bioactive and biodegradable scaffolds designed to provide a temporary 3D microenvironment for cells and tissue engineering. 24 In vitro tests may not represent the real situation of an implant, for the greater the system's complexity, the greater its variability. However, they can provide fast results regarding the material's interactions in biological mediums, thus helping to minimise testing on animals.…”