Architecture and Properties of PUR/Calcite Composite Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

Krzysztof J Kurzydlowski

doi:10.4172/2155-9821.1000153

Abstract

Bone tissue has a composite nature given by a highly complex and well-harmonized structure of organic and inorganic components on the microscale, macroscale and nanoscale. Thus, biodegradable composite scaffolds made of poly (e-caprolactone) urethane (PCL_PUR) porous matrix and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) were developed and studied for bone tissue engineering. The aim of this work was to examine the structure of new polyurethane/calcite composites. Micro-computer tomography (μ-CT) and image analysis enabled 3D visualization and quantification of the porosity, wall thickness and internal pore size distribution. The fabricated porous polyurethane composites exhibited porosity >70% with a pore size not exceeding 450 μm and wall thickness about of 50 μm in size. The mechanical properties of the foams were evaluated using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). In-vitro bioactivity tests in simulated body fluid (SBF) were carried out and the marker of bioactivity, e.g. formation of surface bone-like apatite layers upon immersion in SBF, was investigated. Our results indicated that PUR/calcite scaffolds were more activity then PUR scaffolds and possessed the function to enhance cell proliferation and differentiation, and might be used as bone tissue engineering materials.

Highlights

In recent years polymer – bioactive ceramic composite materials have been developed as bone repair devices because of their high bioactivity, biocompatibility and biodegradability
The results indicate the properties of PUR/calcite composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
energy dispersive spectroscope (EDS) analysis of its surface confirmed those results (Figure 2), which showed that the main elements were carbon and oxygen

Summary

Introduction

In recent years polymer – bioactive ceramic composite materials have been developed as bone repair devices because of their high bioactivity, biocompatibility and biodegradability. An important step to engineer tissues is the development of porous three-dimensional scaffolds for different anatomical locations in the body. The scaffolds should be porous and the porosity should be both macroscopic for cell growth and migration, as well as microscopic to allow the transport of nutrients and oxygen, as well as the removal of cellular waste products [1]. The relevant properties of ideal scaffolds and the requirements for their successful application in bone tissue engineering have been extensively discussed in the literature [2,3,4,5,6]. They state that scaffolds need to be biocompatible. A macroporosity of 200– 500 μm is needed to promote bone cell attachment, and a microporosity should promote ion and liquid diffusion [7]

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