Solvent-free melt-electrowriting of polycaprolactone-bioceramic composites
M L Eames1, A Weekes2, T Ayyachi1
1Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
Biomaterials
|December 29, 2025
Summary
This study developed novel polycaprolactone (PCL)/bioceramic composite scaffolds using melt electrowriting (MEW). Molybdenum-doped bioglass/PCL scaffolds effectively supported osteoblast growth, showing enhanced cell activity for bone tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Materials Chemistry
Background:
- Rising demand for synthetic bone graft materials in reconstructive surgery.
- Limitations of current synthetic bone graft substitutes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel polycaprolactone (PCL)/bioceramic composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.
- To evaluate the efficacy of molybdenum-doped bioglass (MoBG)/PCL scaffolds in supporting osteoblast growth.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PCL/bioceramic composite scaffolds using cryomixing and melt electrowriting (MEW).
- Incorporation of 45S5 bioglass or molybdenum-doped bioglass (MoBG) into PCL at 25 wt% concentration.
- Assessment of scaffold mechanical properties and biocompatibility with osteoblast cell cultures.
Main Results:
- Cryomixing enabled uniform dispersion of bioceramics in PCL without solvents.
- MEW processing yielded composite scaffolds with increased elastic modulus and reduced elongation at break.
- MoBG/PCL scaffolds demonstrated superior support for osteoblast cell growth, evidenced by increased metabolic activity and DNA concentration after 7 days.
Conclusions:
- Melt electrowriting of PCL/bioceramic composites is a viable fabrication method.
- Molybdenum-doped bioglass/PCL composite scaffolds show significant potential for advanced bone tissue engineering applications.
- These novel scaffolds offer a promising pathway for developing effective synthetic bone graft materials.
