Prefabricated and Self-Setting Cement Laminates.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Composite Materials Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Polycaprolactone (PCL) fiber mats offer structural support for bone cements.
• Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) is a potential biomaterial for bone regeneration.
• Developing flexible, 2D composite materials for curved cranial defects is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the fabrication of flexible PCL-CPC composite materials for cranial defect repair.
• To compare the mechanical properties of composites fabricated using melt electrospinning writing (MEW) and solution electrospinning (SES).
• To evaluate the effect of PCL fiber mat architecture and surface treatment on composite performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PCL fiber mats using MEW and SES with patterned collectors.
• Incorporation of premixed CPC paste into PCL fiber mats to form laminate composites.
• Mechanical testing, including bending strength and fracture energy measurements.
• Hydrophilization treatment of PCL scaffolds prior to composite fabrication.

Main Results:

• SES-fabricated PCL fiber mats reinforced the CPC matrix, increasing bending strength and fracture energy.
• MEW-processed PCL fiber mats resulted in a ~50% decrease in cement bending strength.
• Hydrophilization of PCL scaffolds further improved composite strength and fracture energy.
• Fiber-cement compatibility remains a critical factor influencing composite performance.

Conclusions:

• Solution electrospinning is a viable method for producing PCL fiber mats that enhance CPC composite properties.
• The PCL-CPC composite approach shows potential for treating 2D, curved cranial defects.
• Optimizing the fiber-matrix interface and material compatibility is crucial for future development.