Poly (ε-caprolactone)-based electrospun nano-featured substrate for tissue engineering applications: a review

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Tissue engineering aims to restore damaged tissues using artificial supports called scaffolds.
• Scaffolds should mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) and be biocompatible, non-cytotoxic, and biodegradable.
• Biopolymers like Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) are suitable candidates for scaffold fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the synthesis, modifications, and properties of Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL).
• To focus on fabrication techniques for PCL-based nanofibrous scaffolds.
• To highlight PCL scaffolds for targeted tissue engineering applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) synthesis and modification.
• Analysis of various nanofibrous scaffold fabrication techniques, with emphasis on electrospinning.
• Evaluation of PCL scaffold properties for tissue engineering.

Main Results:

• Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) can be blended to achieve desired physiochemical and mechanical properties.
• Electrospinning is a popular and versatile technique for fabricating PCL nanofibrous scaffolds.
• Electrospun PCL scaffolds offer nano-scale architecture and porosity suitable for tissue regeneration.

Conclusions:

• Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a highly adaptable material for tissue engineering scaffolds.
• Electrospinning provides a tunable method for creating PCL nanofibrous scaffolds that mimic the ECM.
• Further research into PCL synthesis, modification, and fabrication is crucial for advancing tissue engineering.