Poly(ε-caprolactone) Scaffolds Fabricated by Melt Electrospinning for Bone Tissue Engineering
Sascha Zaiss1,2, Toby D Brown3, Johannes C Reichert4,5
1Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia. sascha.zaiss@t-online.de.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 5, 2017
Summary
Melt electrospinning creates biocompatible poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds ideal for bone tissue engineering. Ovine osteoblasts showed excellent proliferation and matrix deposition on these scaffolds over 40 days.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Melt electrospinning offers a viable method for producing biocompatible scaffolds.
- Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a commonly used biocompatible polymer for tissue engineering applications.
- Structured collectors can influence scaffold architecture and properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of melt electrospun PCL scaffolds for osteoblast culture.
- To characterize the physical properties of scaffolds produced via melt electrospinning.
- To evaluate the biocompatibility and cellular response of ovine osteoblasts on these scaffolds.
Main Methods:
- Melt electrospinning of PCL onto structured metallic collectors.
- Characterization of scaffold pore size (250-300 μm) and fiber diameter (15 μm).
- In vitro culture of ovine osteoblasts on scaffolds, assessing proliferation (PicoGreen®) and mineralization (WAKO® calcium assay).
- Microscopic analysis (confocal and scanning electron microscopy) for cell infiltration and morphology.
Main Results:
- Scaffolds exhibited favorable physical characteristics for cell growth.
- Osteoblasts demonstrated sustained proliferation over 40 days with high survival rates.
- Significant deposition of mineralized extracellular matrix was observed.
- Confocal and SEM imaging confirmed good cell infiltration and adherence.
Conclusions:
- Melt electrospun PCL scaffolds provide a supportive 3D environment for osteoblast culture.
- The scaffolds exhibit excellent biocompatibility and promote osteogenic activity.
- This technology holds promise for developing bone tissue engineering constructs.
