Reshapable Osteogenic Biomaterials Combining Flexible Melt Electrowritten Organic Fibers with Inorganic Bioceramics

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Tissue regeneration demands advanced functionalized scaffolds.
• Melt electrowritten (MEW) polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds offer potential but require enhanced properties.
• Functionalization with nanomaterials is key for improved biological performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel strategies for modifying MEW PCL scaffolds with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and nanoflakes.
• To evaluate the impact of ZnO nanomaterials on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3 osteoblasts.
• To explore the potential of these functionalized scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Melt electrowriting (MEW) was used to fabricate polycaprolactone (PCL) microfibrous scaffolds.
• Two strategies were employed to incorporate ZnO nanoparticles (ZP) and ZnO nanoflakes (ZF) onto PCL scaffolds.
• MC3T3 osteoblasts were cultured on modified and non-modified scaffolds to assess osteogenic differentiation.

Main Results:

• PCL/ZP scaffolds showed a ~3.91-fold increase in calcium mineralization compared to non-modified PCL.
• PCL/ZF scaffolds, mimicking bone nanotopography, exhibited superior results.
• PCL/ZF scaffolds demonstrated ~2.60 times higher ALP activity and ~2.17 times higher mineralization than PCL/ZP scaffolds.
• The inherent flexibility of PCL scaffolds allows for reshapable bioscaffold applications.

Conclusions:

• Novel strategies effectively functionalize MEW PCL scaffolds with ZnO nanomaterials.
• ZnO nanoflakes significantly enhance osteogenic differentiation, showing promise for bone regeneration.
• These functionalized scaffolds offer a new route for advanced tissue engineering applications.