An electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) nanocomposite fibrous mat with a high content of hydroxyapatite to promote cell infiltration.

Haoxuan Li,Chen Huang,Qinfei Ke,Xiangyu Jin

doi:10.1039/c8ra02059k

Abstract

Electrospun polymer/inorganic biomimetic nanocomposite scaffolds have emerged for use in a new strategy for bone regeneration. In this study, a poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanocomposite mat with a HAp content as high as 60% was prepared via one-step electrospinning using trifluoroethanol as the solvent, and it has superior dispersibility and spinnability. The structure and physicochemical properties of the scaffolds were studied using scanning electron microscopy and spectroscopic techniques. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of HAp in the composite PCL fibers. The results of cell culturing suggested that the incorporation of HAp with PCL could regulate the cytoskeleton and the differentiation of cells. More interestingly, the high content of HAp was also found to be conducive to the infiltration of MC-3T3 cells into the mat. The results indicated the potential of PCL/HAp scaffolds as a promising substitute for bone regeneration.

Highlights

Large bone defects require reconstructive surgeries as the recovery process is beyond the capability of a human to selfrepair.[1,2] An autogra is still the golden standard for bone defect treatment,[3] the method shows limitations, such as pain, hemorrhage and infection at the donor site
When the content of HAp was increased to 60%, continuous and homogeneous nano bers were fabricated (Fig. 2C), owing to the excellent electrospinnability of the PCL/TFE solution system
The HAp nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed inside PCL nano bers, and the proportion of HAp in a PCL nano ber could reach a high record of 60%

Summary

Introduction

Large bone defects require reconstructive surgeries as the recovery process is beyond the capability of a human to selfrepair.[1,2] An autogra is still the golden standard for bone defect treatment,[3] the method shows limitations, such as pain, hemorrhage and infection at the donor site. It should be pointed out that the incorporation of HAp into PCL nano bers does not signi cantly in uence the pore size and contact angle of the electrospun PCL/HAp nano brous mats.

Results

Conclusion