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Published on: September 11, 2015
Composite microgranular scaffolds with surface modifications for improved initial osteoblastic cell proliferation.
Piotr Kowalczyk1, Kamil Kopeć2, Michał Wojasiński2
1Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering, Department of Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering, Ludwika Waryńskiego 1, 00-645 Warsaw, Poland; Centre for Advanced Materials and Technology CEZAMAT, Poleczki 19, 02-822 Warsaw, Poland.
Three surface modification techniques enhanced the hydrophilicity and cell attachment of polyester-based composite scaffolds for tissue engineering. These treatments improved cell adhesion and proliferation, crucial for bone regeneration applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Polyester-based granular scaffolds offer tunable porosity and shape for tissue engineering.
- Composite scaffolds incorporating osteoconductive materials like β-tricalcium phosphate are promising.
- Hydrophobicity of polymer composites hinders cell attachment and growth, limiting their efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally compare three surface modification techniques for enhancing scaffold hydrophilicity and cell attachment.
- To evaluate the impact of atmospheric plasma, polydopamine, and polynorepinephrine coatings on composite scaffold properties.
- To assess the in vitro performance of modified scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of polymer/β-tricalcium phosphate composite granules via solution-induced phase separation (SIPS).
- Preparation of cylindrical scaffolds using thermal assembly of microgranules.
- Application of atmospheric plasma treatment, polydopamine coating, and polynorepinephrine coating to modify scaffold surfaces.
Main Results:
- All three modification techniques significantly increased scaffold hydrophilicity and improved human osteosarcoma MG-63 cell adhesion and proliferation in vitro.
- Unmodified polycaprolactone/β-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds showed poor cell attachment, highlighting the necessity of surface modification.
- Modified polylactide/β-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds demonstrated excellent cell growth and mechanical strength surpassing human trabecular bone.
Conclusions:
- Atmospheric plasma, polydopamine, and polynorepinephrine coatings are effective and interchangeable methods for improving scaffold wettability and bioactivity.
- Surface modifications are critical for enhancing cell interactions with hydrophobic composite scaffolds.
- These techniques hold significant potential for advancing medical applications, particularly for porous granular scaffolds in tissue regeneration.
