Neat PCL Research Articles

PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MELT SPUN POLY (Ԑ-CAPROLACTONE) FIBERS HAVING DIFFERENT CROSS SECTIONS

Abstract: Poly (ԑ-caprolactone) (PCL) is a member of petrochemical raw material based biodegradable polyesters. Numerous studies have applied electrospinning, wet spinning and melt spinning techniques for processing fibers from PCL and its copolymers. The thermoplastic nature, low melting point and high extensibility of PCL makes it a good candidate for processing with melt-spinning method which is an economic and environment friendly fiber production process. Several studies have investigated the production of PCL fibers via melt-spinning; however, there is still significant room for improvement in process parameters and fiber properties. Therefore, in this study, we used different spin pack designs, extrusion and drawing parameters for the melt spinning of neat PCL filaments. Melt-spun solid and hollow multifilaments having smooth surfaces were successfully produced by using a lab-scale melt spinning device. Crystallinity of multifilaments remained unchanged in terms of production parameters. Tensile test results suggest that PCL filaments can be produced using various types of spin packs with decent mechanical properties by means of melt spinning. Hollow structure can extend the field of application of fibers in medical appicatios by taking the advabtage of its carrier properties.

14-3-3ε protein-immobilized PCL-HA electrospun scaffolds with enhanced osteogenicity.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) accelerate the osteointegration of bone grafts and improve the efficiency in the formation of uniform bone tissue, providing a practical and clinically attractive approach in bone tissue regeneration. In this work, the effect of nanofibrous biomimetic matrices composed of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), nanometric hydroxyapatite (nHA) particles and 14-3-3 protein isoform epsilon on the initial stages of human ASCs (hASCs) osteogenic differentiation was investigated. The cells were characterized by flow cytometry and induction to differentiation to adipogenic and osteogenic lineages. The isolated hASCs were induced to differentiate to osteoblasts over all scaffolds, and adhesion and viability of the hASCs were found to be similar. However, the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as early osteogenic marker in the PCL-nHA/protein scaffold was four times higher than in PCL-nHA and more than five times than the measured in neat PCL.

Composite Membranes of Poly(ε-caprolactone) with Bisphosphonate-Loaded Bioactive Glasses for Potential Bone Tissue Engineering Applications.

Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a bioresorbable synthetic polyester with numerous biomedical applications. PCL membranes show great potential in guided tissue regeneration because they are biocompatible, occlusive and space maintaining, but lack osteoconductivity. Therefore, two different types of mesoporous bioactive glasses (SiO2-CaO-P2O5 and SiO2-SrO-P2O5) were synthesized and incorporated in PCL thin membranes by spin coating. To enhance the osteogenic effect of resulting membranes, the bioglasses were loaded with the bisphosphonate drug ibandronate prior to their incorporation in the polymeric matrix. The effect of the composition of the bioglasses as well as the presence of absorbed ibandronate on the physicochemical, cell attachment and differentiation properties of the PCL membranes was evaluated. Both fillers led to a decrease of the crystallinity of PCL, along with an increase in its hydrophilicity and a noticeable increase in its bioactivity. Bioactivity was further increased in the presence of a Sr substituted bioglass loaded with ibandronate. The membranes exhibited excellent biocompatibility upon estimation of their cytotoxicity on Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (WJ-SCs), while they presented higher osteogenic potential in comparison with neat PCL after WJ-SCs induced differentiation towards bone cells, which was enhanced by a possible synergistic effect of Sr and ibandronate.

Preparation of electrospun PCL-based scaffolds by mono/multi-functionalized GO

In the present study, sythetic biodegradable polymer poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and graphene oxide (GO) were combined together to prepare 3D, composite tissue scaffolds (PCL/GO scaffolds) by using electrospinning technique. Also, the influence of Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro (GRGDSP) and/or thiophene (Th) modified GO on the composite PCL/GO mats (PCL/GO, PCL/GO-GRGDSP, PCL/GO-Th, PCL/GO-GRGDSP-Th) was further investigated. Characteristic examinations of the scaffolds were carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM), contact angle (CA) measurements, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, TGA, electrical conductivity tests, phosphate buffer saline absorption and shrinkage tests and mechanical tests. All of the scaffolds were exhibited suitable bead-free and uniform morphology according to SEM images. With the addition of GO, better hydrophilicity and a slight CA decrease (∼5°) for the PCL/GO scaffolds were observed. Mechanical properties were reinforced drastically with the addition and well-dispersion of GO into PCL matrix. The incorporation of PCL and GO exhibited enhanced electrical conductivity and the highest value was found for PCL/GO-GRGDSP-Th (2%) as 15.06 μS cm−1. The MG-63 osteoblast cell culture studies (MTT assay, ALP activity, Alizarin-Red staining, fluorescence and SEM analyses) showed that PCL/GO-GRGDSP-Th (1%) scaffolds exhibited the highest biocompatibility performance (1.87 fold MTT absorbance value comparing with neat PCL) due to the advanced properties of GO and the biological interfaces.

Poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(glycerol sebacate) electrospun scaffolds for cardiac tissue engineering using benign solvents.

Electrospun fibers based on combinations of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) have been studied for applications in cardiac tissue engineering. The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the fabrication of PCL and PGS prepolymer or mildly crosslinked PGS by electrospinning using less toxic solvents, like acetic acid, as opposed to conventional solvents such as chloroform or dichloromethane. The morphological and physiochemical properties and degradation susceptibility of the fiber mats were determined. A cell study using ST2 cells was performed to assess cytocompatibility. Neat PCL and PCL/PGS blends showed defect-free microstructures, whereby the average fiber diameter increased with the addition of PGS (0.8 ± 0.3 μm and 1.3 ± 0.7 μm, respectively). The mechanical properties were tested at 23 °C and 37 °C and showed higher values compared to native human myocardium. Degradation studies revealed a fast PGS degradation but the mildly cross-linked PGS resulted in acidification of the degradation medium. The biocompatibility was significantly increased when the samples were disinfected in 70% v/v ethanol in comparison to ultra-violet light disinfection. PCL/PGS fibers fabricated with acetic acid proved to be potentially suitable for application in cardiac tissue engineering based on their mechanical properties and biodegradability.

Thermal, mechanical, and topographical evaluation of nonstoichiometric α‐cyclodextrin/poly(ε‐caprolactone) pseudorotaxane nucleated poly(ε‐caprolactone) composite films

ABSTRACTThree pseudorotaxanes (PpR) comprised of poly (ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) with varying stoichiometric ratios were synthesized and characterized. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses provided conclusive evidence for complexation between the guest PCL and host α‐CD. The as‐synthesized and characterized PpRs were used at 10 and 20% concentrations as nucleants to promote the bulk PCL crystallization in composite films. Both WAXD and TGA provided evidence for intact PpR structures in the composite films. Isothermal differential scanning calorimetric (I‐DSC) analyses, performed at various crystallization temperatures demonstrated significant differences in the crystallization patterns among the composite films. In addition, I‐DSC analyses showed higher Avrami constant values (n) in the PpR‐nucleated composite PCL films (n ~ 3), indicating 3‐dimensional crystal growth. In the case of neat PCL films, however, lower n values indicated crystal growth in 1‐dimensions or 2‐dimensions. Moreover, atomic force microscopic analyses showed large crests and pits in PpR‐nucleated PCL composites, with irregular morphologies leading to higher surface roughness. To the contrary, the crests and pits were much smaller in the neat PCL films, resulting in lower surface roughness values. Finally, mechanical testing revealed higher tensile strength for PpR‐nucleated PCL composites films, demonstrating larger load bearing capabilities. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1529–1537

Mechanical and Morphological Evaluation of the Reinforcement of Polycaprolactone With Different Cellulose Fibers

In the present work, polycaprolactone composites are prepared in a twin‐screw extruder with different amounts of cellulose fibers from several sources (obtained from lignocellulosic curauá and jute, commercial cellulose samples with different lengths, and amorphized cellulose obtained by ball milling), maintaining the processing time and temperature. X‐ray diffraction reveal that almost all cellulose fibers act as nucleating agents for the polymer matrix, resulting in increase crystallinity index of the composites. The experiments with the commercial cellulose fibers indicate that shorter fibers promoted stronger nucleation effect. At low content (2 wt%), the composite PCL‐amorphized cellulose has improve thermal resistance to degradation in relation to the neat PCL. Dynamic‐mechanical analysis shows an increase in the modulus of the composites containing 5 and 20 wt% fibers.

Application of modified TOPSIS technique in deciding optimal combination for bio-degradable composite

The combined fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (F-AHP) and fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (F-TOPSIS) approach used to access performance defining attributes (PDAs) such as Tensile Strength, Flexural Strength, Impact Strength, Elongation at break (%), Diffusion Coefficient (D), Sorption Coefficient (S) and Permeability Coefficient (P) of fabricated biodegradable composite materials. The weight of different PDA's was evaluated by F-AHP where the PDA's are Tensile Strength, Flexural Strength Impact Strength, Elongation%, Diffusion, Sorption and Permeability. F-TOPSIS was employed to determine the optimal ranking of the composite materials as BC-1>BC-7>BC-2>BC-6>BC-5>BC-3>BC-4. The alternatives other than neat PCL, with fiber, matrix and graphite at 45, 55 & 15 wt fraction (i.e., BC-7) showed optimum results.

Development of sustainable biodegradable lignocellulosic hemp fiber/polycaprolactone biocomposites for light weight applications

Biocomposites with poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) as matrix and lignocellulosic hemp fiber with varying average aspect ratios (19, 26, 30 and 38) as reinforcement were prepared using twin extrusion process. The influence of fiber aspect ratio on the water absorption behavior and mechanical properties are investigated. The percentage of moisture uptake increased with the aspect ratio, following Fickian behavior. The hemp fiber/PCL biocomposites showed enhanced properties (tensile, flexural and low-velocity impact). The biocomposite with 26 aspect ratio showed the optimal properties, with flexural strength and modulus of 169% and 285% respectively, higher than those of neat PCL. However, a clear reduction on the mechanical properties was observed for water-immersed samples, with reduction in tensile and flexural moduli for the aspect ratio of 26 by 90% and 62%, respectively than those of dry samples. Summarily, the optimal sample provides an eco-friendly alternative to conventional, petroleum-based and non-renewable composites for various applications.

Rheological and thermal characterization of PCL/PBAT blends

The development of biodegradable blends is an important option for reducing environmental impacts generated by the use of plastics, besides increasing the knowledge biodegradable polymers and its associations. In this contribution, rheological and thermal characteristics of neat PCL and PBAT and PCL/PBAT blends melt mixed in an internal laboratory mixer were evaluated. The results suggested that the blends are immiscible but there is a strong interaction between the components. Crystallization kinetics can be represented by Pseudo-Avrami model.

Facile production of biodegradable PCL/PLA in situ nanofibrillar composites with unprecedented compatibility between the blend components

Improvement of compatibility in blends of PCL and PLA has attracted the attention of the scientific community due to their complimentary mechanical properties. In this work, in situ nanofibrillation has been proposed as an ideal approach towards the green and economical production of PCL/PLA blends with an unparalleled level of compatibility of the blend components. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the transformation of the dispersed PLA phase into stretched nanofibrils drastically improved PCL/PLA interfacial adhesion. Investigations on the blends' crystallization behaviors using polarized optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and wide angle X-ray scattering suggested that the improvements in the nanofibrillar composites' (NFCs) compatibility could be associated with the increase in their compatibility due to PCL's heterogeneous crystal nucleation on the nanofibrillated PLA domains. This behavior was ascribed to a promotion of the epitaxial crystallization of the PCL on the nanofibrillated PLA’s crystals following a change in the orientation of the PLA’s crystal lamellae. The PCL’s tensile properties were significantly improved after the inclusion of even small quantities (as low as 5 wt%) of the PLA nanofibrils. The tensile strength of the NFC with 15 wt% of the PLA was over 100% higher than that of the neat PCL. Dynamic mechanical analyses and shear rheology measurements showed substantial improvements in the PCL’s elastic behavior after nanofibrillation. This effect was shown to improve the PCL’s tensile strength via delaying the yield point during tension. The NFCs also showed dramatically improved oxygen barrier properties due to the improvements in the PCL-PLA compatibility.

Isothermal and Nonisothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Poly(ε-caprolactone) Blended with a Novel Ionic Liquid, 1-Ethyl-3-propylimidazolium Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide.

Recently, ionic liquids (ILs) and biodegradable polymers have become crucial functional materials in green sustainable science and technology. In this study, we investigated the influence of a novel IL, 1-ethyl-3-propylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([EPrI][TFSI]), on the crystallization kinetics of a widely studied biodegradable polymer, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). To obtain a comprehensive understanding, both the isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of the PCL blends were studied. Incorporating [EPrI][TFSI] reduced the isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization rates of PCL. Regarding isothermal crystallization, the small k and 1/t0.5 values of the blend, estimated using the Avrami equation, indicated that [EPrI][TFSI] decreased the rate of isothermal crystallization of PCL. The Mo model adequately described the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of the blends. Increasing the [EPrI][TFSI] content caused the rate-related parameter F(T) to increase. This indicated that the crystallization rate of PCL decreased when [EPrI][TFSI] was incorporated. The spherulite appearance temperature of the blending sample was found to be lower than that of neat PCL under a constant cooling rate. The analysis of the effective activation energy proposed that the nonisothermal crystallization of PCL would not be favorited when the [EPrI][TFSI] was incorporated into the blends. The addition of [EPrI][TFSI] would not change the crystal structures of PCL according to the results of wide angle X-ray diffraction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that interactions occurred between [EPrI][TFSI] and PCL. The crystallization kinetics of PCL were inhibited when [EPrI][TFSI] was incorporated.

Antibacterial, sustained drug release and biocompatibility studies of electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone)/chloramphenicol blend nanofiber scaffolds

Controlled drug release and antibacterial properties of electrospun nanofiber depend on slow release of drug molecules to the targeted area by diffusion and antibacterial properties of drug embedded in the nanofiber. In the present study, chloramphenicol (CAP), an antibacterial drug has been incorporated in poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers in the weight content of 5–20 wt% by electrospinning. It was found that the fiber diameter and hydrophilic nature of nanofibers increased with increase in CAP content. The latter phenomenon is expected to facilitate biocompatibility of scaffolds. The scaffolds showed excellent antibacterial properties against gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) as well as gram negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Flavobacterium devorans) bacterial strains commonly associated with wound and burn infections. In-vitro drug release studies were carried out in phosphate buffer saline at pH ∼ 7.4. The release was found to be saturated in about 20 days and the maximum release was ∼80%. Nanofiber scaffolds with 5 wt% CAP content showed the highest release rate among the scaffolds studied, which could be attributed to the smaller fiber diameter of this scaffold leading to higher surface area. The composite nanofiber scaffolds were further studied for cell adhesion, proliferation and toxicity using human colon colorectal epithelial cells (HCT 116 WT) in vitro. The cells are found to show excellent adhesion and proliferation on both PCL and CAP embedded scaffolds in large numbers. However, CAP loaded scaffolds showed better cell proliferation than that of neat PCL counterpart.

Structure, thermal transitions and polymer dynamics in nanocomposites based on poly(ε-caprolactone) and nano-inclusions of 1-3D geometry

Polymer nanocomposites, PNCs, based on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and four fillers differing in shape, namely spherical silica and Ag nanoparticles (3D, referring to the number of nanoscopic dimensions), multi-wall carbon nanotubes, CNTs, (2D), and graphene oxide, GO, nanosheets (1D), were prepared and investigated at low contents of 0.5–2.5 wt%. Scanning electron microscopy, SEM, and wide angle X-ray scattering, WAXS, were employed for morphology and crystal structure, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry, DSC, and dielectric relaxation spectroscopy, DRS, were employed to study effects of filler on crystallization, glass transition and molecular dynamics, as well as on the amount of the rigid amorphous fraction, RAF. Except for Ag, where significant aggregation of nanoparticles was observed, SEM images indicated good dispersion of filler nanoparticles (fine dispersion for silica), partly confirmed also by results by the other methods employed. The glass transition temperature Tg was found to correlate well with the crystalline fraction CF in neat PCL and the PNCs, without any additional direct effect of filler. No significant effects of filler on CF were observed, in contrast to the crystallization temperature Tc, which was found to increase in the PNCs. This was discussed in terms of nucleation efficiency of the fillers, increasing in the order silica < Ag < CNT < GO which correlates better with the initial fillers’ aspect ratio, however not with their specific surface area. DRS measurements show only a single α relaxation in the PNCs, with time scale and cooperativity (fragility) being unaffected by filler addition. The results are explained by a model, where filler particles act as additional crystallization nuclei and are embedded in the growing crystals. The CNT PNCs are characterized by low percolation threshold and high values of DC conductivity, which may be utilized in practical applications.

In Situ Silication of Polymer Nanofibers to Engineer Multi‐Biofunctional Composites

AbstractThe critical role of silica in bone homeostasis has motivated the development of silica‐based biomaterials for orthopedic applications. Whereas polymer nanofibers have emerged as promising substrates for orthopedic applications, nanoparticle agglomeration precludes the preparation of silica containing composite nanofibers by electrospinning. This work presents a facile sol‐gel process to fabricate electrospun nanocomposite fibers by in situ silica gelation in poly (ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) solution. Citric acid is shown to be more effective than acetic acid as the pH catalyst for gelation by rapidly yielding near uniform nanoparticles (150+50 nm). The composite nanofibers exhibited increased water wettability than neat PCL with sustained release of silicon ions. The composite fibers induced early apatite formation in simulated body fluid. Quantitative characterization of the tubular networks formed by human umbilical cord vascular endothelial cells revealed that the eluted silicon ions and citric acid in fibers synergistically promoted angiogenic activity, which was corroborated by increased gene and protein expressions of several known angiogenic markers. Furthermore, silicate fibers augmented osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells as measured by the increased mineral deposition and increased gene and protein expression of osteogenic markers. Thus, the in situ silicated fibers are promising multi‐biofunctional materials for orthopedic applications.

Controlled drug release carriers based on PCL/PEO/PCL block copolymers

ABSTRACTIn order to create a new drug delivery system, the ibuprofen-loaded triblock copolymer PCL/PEO/PCL (PCEC) microspheres with a low PEO content (<2 wt%) were prepared by oil in water (o/w) solvent evaporation technique. The influence of PEO content, molecular weight of a polymer matrix and drug loading on the ibuprofen release profiles were evaluated. The interactions between polymer matrix and ibuprofen were detected by FTIR analysis. The presence of hydrophilic PEO segment in PCL chains caused the decrease in particle size, which further had a great impact on the drug release kinetics, i.e., initially faster release and significantly higher quantity of released drug compared to neat PCL. Ibuprofen release behavior from polymer matrix was governed by a diffusion process. In vitro cytotoxicity tests revealed that empty PCL and PCEC microspheres were not toxic at low concentrations, while ibuprofen-loaded microspheres exhibited cytotoxicity correlated with amounts of incorporated drug.

Biocompatible Nanobioglass Reinforced Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Composites Synthesized via In Situ Ring Opening Polymerization.

Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a bioresorbable synthetic polyester widely studied as a biomaterial for tissue engineering and controlled release applications, but its low bioactivity and weak mechanical performance limits its applications. In this work, nanosized bioglasses with two different compositions (SiO2–CaO and SiO2–CaO–P2O5) were synthesized with a hydrothermal method, and each one was used as filler in the preparation of PCL nanocomposites via the in situ ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone. The effect of the addition of 0.5, 1 and 2.5 wt % of the nanofillers on the molecular weight, structural, mechanical and thermal properties of the polymer nanocomposites, as well as on their enzymatic hydrolysis rate, bioactivity and biocompatibility was systematically investigated. All nanocomposites exhibited higher molecular weight values in comparison with neat PCL, and mechanical properties were enhanced for the 0.5 and 1 wt % filler content, which was attributed to extensive interactions between the filler and the matrix, proving the superiority of in situ polymerization over solution mixing and melt compounding. Both bioglasses accelerated the enzymatic degradation of PCL and induced bioactivity, since apatite was formed on the surface of the nanocomposites after soaking in simulated body fluid. Finally, all samples were biocompatible as Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) attached and proliferated on their surfaces.

Influence of TiO2 Nanoparticles on the Crystallization Behaviour and Tensile Properties of Biodegradable PLA and PCL Nanocomposites

This paper investigated the influence of TiO2 nanoparticles on the morphologies, as well as crystallization behaviour and kinetics, of neat PLA and PCL, and of these polymers in different PLA/PCL blends. We used transmission electron microscopy to evaluate the morphologies of the systems, while the crystallization behaviour and kinetics were investigated through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In addition to standard and modulated (StepScan) DSC analyses, the self-nucleation temperatures of neat PCL and PCL in the different nanocomposites were determined, followed by a self-nucleation and annealing thermal fractionation analysis of PCL crystallization and an Avrami isothermal kinetic analysis of PCL crystallization and PLA cold crystallization. We found that the nanoparticles were well dispersed, but only in the PLA phase of the blends, with only a few on the interface or in the PCL phase. They did nucleate and accelerate, and influence the mechanism of, the PCL crystallization in neat PCL, but had little influence on PCL crystallization in the blends. They strongly influenced the rate of cold crystallization of PLA, but had little influence on this parameter in the blends. The tensile properties were also determined, and changes in these properties could be related to the morphologies of the systems.

Supernucleating Role of Poly(ω-pentadecalactone) during the Crystallization of Poly(ε-caprolactone) Composites

Inspired by the epitaxial crystallization theory and isomorphism phenomenon, poly(ω-pentadecalactone) (PPDL) and the random copolyesters of ω-pentadecalactone and e-caprolactone Poly(PDL-co-CL)s have been synthesized and tested as polymeric nucleating agents for commercial poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL). Crystallization behavior and spherulite structure of the neat PCL and nucleated PCL specimens have been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical microscopy (POM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The PPDL and poly(PDL-co-CL)s are found to provide massive heterogeneous nuclei, significantly increase the crystallization temperature to 314.2 K at a cooling rate of 10 K/min, and exhibit a supernucleation role in the PCL matrix. Moreover, investigation on crystallization kinetics demonstrates that the greatly enhanced nucleation dominates the overall kinetics. The enhanced crystallization ability of PCL and the polymeric nature of additive PPDL lead to a 12.4% improvement in ten...

Star poly(ε-caprolactone)-based electrospun fibers as biocompatible scaffold for doxorubicin with prolonged drug release activity

In this work, a novel drug delivery system consisting of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) electrospun fibers containing an ad-hoc-synthesized star polymer made up of a poly(amido-amine) (PAMAM) core and PCL branches (PAMAM-PCL) was developed. The latter system which was synthesized via the ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone, starting from a hydroxyl-terminated PAMAM dendrimer and characterized by means of 1H NMR, IR and DSC, was found to be compatible with both the polymer matrix and a hydrophilic chemotherapeutic drug, doxorubicin (DOXO), the model drug used in this work. The preparation of the dendritic PCL star product with an average arm length of 2000g/mol was characterized using IR and 1H NMR measurements. The prepared star polymer possessed a higher crystallinity and a lower melting temperature than that of the used linear PCL. Electrospun fibers were prepared starting from solutions containing the neat PCL as well as the PCL/PAMAM-PCL mixture. Electrospinning conditions were optimized in order to obtain defect free fibers, which was proven by the structural FE-SEM study.PAMAM moieties enhanced the hydrophilicity of the fibers, as proved by comparing the water absorption for the PCL/PAMAM-PCL fibers to that neat PCL fibers. The drug-loaded system PCL/PAMAM-PCL was prepared by directly introducing DOXO into the electrospinning solutions. The DOXO-loaded PCL/PAMAM-PCL showed a prolonged release of the drug with respect to the DOXO-loaded PCL fibers and elicited effective controlled toxicity over A431 epidermoid carcinoma, HeLa cervical cancer cells and drug resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cells. On the contrary, the drug-free PCL/PAMAM-PCL scaffold demonstrated no toxic effects on human dermal fibroblasts, suggesting the biocompatibility of the proposed system which can be used in cellular scaffold applications.