Fabrication and evaluation of polycaprolactone/olive oil scaffolds by phase inversion for tissue engineering

Abstract

In this study, scaffolds containing polycaprolactone (PCL)/extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) at 1, 3, 5 and 7 wt% were fabricated using the phase inversion method. A combination of dimethylformamide (DMF) as the solvent and tetrahydrofuran (THF) as the co-solvent with different ratios was used to control the scaffold morphology. FTIR spectroscopy was applied for identifying the interaction between EVOO and PCL chains as well as the effect of mixed solvent composition on EVOO content of the scaffolds. The prepared scaffolds had a sponge-like structure where their average pore size was reduced by increasing the percentage of THF or decreasing the amount of EVOO in the casting solution. The measurement of water contact angle (WCA) showed that the oil increment in the casting solution had a direct effect on surface hydrophobicity. Evaluation of the mechanical properties of the scaffolds implied that the scaffold containing 3 wt% EVOO had the best mechanical properties. The results of the MTT assay analysis indicated that the scaffolds were non-toxic and suitable for cell growth. Furthermore, the high antibacterial activity of the scaffolds against Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus was confirmed.