Elastic poly(ε-caprolactone)-polydimethylsiloxane copolymer fibers with shape memory effect for bone tissue...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Porous shape memory scaffolds with biomimetic architecture are crucial for bone tissue engineering.
• Developing advanced materials with tailored properties is essential for successful bone regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel shape memory polyurethanes (PCL-PDMS copolymers) for bone tissue engineering.
• To engineer these copolymers into porous fibrous scaffolds using electrospinning.
• To evaluate the shape memory behavior, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of the scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of PCL-PDMS copolymers with varying PCL:PDMS ratios (9:1, 8:2, 7:3).
• Electrospinning of copolymers into porous fibrous scaffolds.
• Assessment of fiber morphology, thermal behavior, mechanical properties, and shape memory characteristics (shape recovery and fixity ratios).
• In vitro biological assays including osteoblast proliferation, alkaline phosphatase expression, and mineral deposition.

Main Results:

• PCL-PDMS copolymers exhibited tunable fiber diameters, thermal behavior, and mechanical properties based on composition.
• The electrospun scaffolds maintained excellent shape memory properties, with shape recovery ratios >90% and shape fixity ratios >92% after 7 cycles.
• Scaffolds demonstrated good biocompatibility, promoting osteoblast proliferation, enhancing alkaline phosphatase expression, and facilitating mineral deposition.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized PCL-PDMS copolymers are suitable for creating porous fibrous scaffolds with robust shape memory properties.
• These scaffolds are biocompatible and support key aspects of bone regeneration, including cell proliferation and mineralization.
• PCL-PDMS fibrous scaffolds represent promising bioengineered graft materials for bone regeneration applications.