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Microstructural Characterization of PCL-HA Bone Scaffolds Based on Nonsolvent-Induced Phase Separation
Mehmet Serhat Aydin1,2, Mervenaz Sahin1, Zeynep Dogan3
1Department of Material Science and Nanoengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey.
ACS Omega
|December 25, 2023
Summary
This study shows that poly(caprolactone)-nanohydroxyapatite composite scaffolds fabricated using nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) offer tunable porosity for bone tissue engineering. Optimal HA content and thickness are crucial for desired pore characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Composite materials with controlled porosity are essential for bone tissue engineering scaffolds.
- Nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) is a viable technique for fabricating porous structures.
- Poly(caprolactone) (PCL)-nanohydroxyapatite (HA) composites are promising for bone regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of nanohydroxyapatite (HA) content and scaffold thickness on the microstructure and mechanical properties of PCL-HA composite porous film scaffolds.
- To evaluate the suitability of NIPS for creating tunable porous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.
- To determine the optimal HA content and thickness for PCL-HA scaffolds based on porosity and application requirements.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 10% (w/v) PCL-HA composite porous film scaffolds using NIPS with varying HA content (0-20 wt %) and thicknesses (800-900 μm and 1600-1800 μm).
- Comprehensive analysis of internal microstructure (porosity, pore size distribution, pore shape, anisotropy) using Micro-CT and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
- Assessment of mechanical behaviors and surface characteristics of the fabricated scaffolds.
Main Results:
- NIPS method successfully produced PCL-HA scaffolds with micro-scale porosity (<100 μm).
- Increased scaffold thickness generally led to larger average pore sizes and higher overall porosity.
- For thinner scaffolds, HA content above 15 wt % increased pore size; thicker scaffolds showed no direct correlation between higher HA content and increased pore size. Higher HA content consistently increased pore anisotropy.
Conclusions:
- NIPS-based PCL-HA composite scaffolds exhibit promising potential for bone tissue engineering due to their tunable microporous morphology.
- Scaffold thickness significantly influences porosity and pore size, with greater thickness yielding larger pores.
- Careful consideration of HA content and scaffold thickness is necessary to optimize porosity and mechanical properties for specific bone tissue engineering applications.
