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Polycaprolactone/Doped Bioactive Glass Composite Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration
Ana Sofia Pádua1, Manuel Pedro Fernandes Graça2, Jorge Carvalho Silva3
1CENIMAT|i3N, Department of Materials Science, School of Science and Technology, Nova University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal.
Journal of Functional Biomaterials
|June 25, 2025
Summary
This study explored polycaprolactone (PCL)-based composite scaffolds with doped bioactive glass (BG) for bone regeneration. Zinc-doped BG/PCL scaffolds showed enhanced cell activity and osteogenic differentiation, indicating promise for critical-size bone defects.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Critical-size bone defects pose significant challenges in bone regeneration, necessitating advanced tissue engineering solutions.
- Polymeric/ceramic composite scaffolds are being investigated to replicate bone's structural and biological functions.
- Bioactive glasses (BG) offer potential for enhancing bone regeneration due to their osteoconductive properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of various doping oxides in bioactive glass (BG) on polycaprolactone (PCL)-based composite scaffolds.
- To assess the performance of these scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications, focusing on biological and mechanical properties.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PCL-based composite scaffolds using solvent casting, hot pressing, and salt-leaching techniques.
- Incorporation of 25 wt% BG or BG doped with tantalum, zinc, magnesium, or niobium oxides (4 mol%) and copper oxide (1 mol%).
- Characterization of scaffolds for morphology, mechanical compression, cytotoxicity, cell adhesion, proliferation, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity.
Main Results:
- All fabricated scaffolds displayed a porous, interconnected structure suitable for tissue ingrowth.
- Mechanical compression tests showed increased elastic modulus with ceramic content; doping oxides did not significantly alter mechanical properties.
- Cytotoxicity assays confirmed the biocompatibility of all scaffolds. Zn-doped BG/PCL scaffolds demonstrated superior cell adhesion and proliferation, with significantly enhanced ALP activity, alongside Nb-doped scaffolds.
Conclusions:
- Doping bioactive glass with specific oxides can modulate the biological performance of PCL-based composite scaffolds.
- The Zn-doped BG/PCL composite scaffold emerged as a highly promising material for bone regeneration due to its ability to support cell growth and osteogenic differentiation.
- Further investigation into Zn-doped BG/PCL scaffolds is warranted for developing effective treatments for critical-size bone defects.
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