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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
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Fabrication of a Bioactive, PCL-based "Self-fitting" Shape Memory Polymer Scaffold
Published on: October 23, 2015
[Preparation of novel bioactive PCL bone tissue engineering scaffold]
Qiang Ma1, Yingjun Wang, Huade Zheng
1Institute of Biomedical Materials Research, College of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology ,Guangzhou 510640, China.
Summary
This study enhanced poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds by adding carboxylate groups, improving hydrophilicity. This modification successfully formed a dense, bone-like apatite layer on the PCL surface within 24 hours.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Materials Engineering
Context:
- Poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) is a widely used biodegradable polymer in tissue engineering.
- Developing PCL scaffolds with enhanced bioactivity and bone-integration properties is crucial.
- Surface modification techniques are essential for improving the biocompatibility of PCL.
Purpose:
- To functionalize the surface of porous PCL scaffolds with carboxylate groups.
- To investigate the mineralization of these modified PCL scaffolds in simulated body fluid (SBF).
- To evaluate the formation of a bone-like apatite layer on the PCL surface.
Summary:
- Porous PCL scaffolds were fabricated using melted extrusion manufacturing (MEM).
- Surface carboxylate groups were introduced via NaOH hydrolysis, significantly increasing hydrophilicity (contact angle reduced to 26.52 degrees).
- Calcium-phosphate (Ca-P) precursor treatment followed by mineralization in SBF resulted in a dense, uniform bone-like apatite layer within 24 hours, confirmed by SEM and EDAX.
Impact:
- The surface modification enhances the potential of PCL scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.
- Improved hydrophilicity and apatite layer formation promote better cell adhesion and bone integration.
- The rapid formation of a bone-like layer suggests accelerated osseointegration in vivo.
