Design of bioactive electrospun scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to produce polycaprolactone (PCL) and PCL/gelatin fibrous scaffolds by electrospinning to engineer functional bone by the careful reproduction of the native microenviroment of the natural tissue. Methods: Polymer solutions were processed by electrospinning technique to fabricate 2D and 3D platforms in the form of random flat membranes and bilayered conduits, through the use of collectors-i.e., grounded metal plates and a rotating mandrel, via a 2-step electrospinning process, to produce a bilayered structure. Results: The results showed that solvent properties and the integration of gelatin could strongly influence the scaffold features in terms of fiber size scale and homogeneity, thus potentially affecting the final biological response. Moreover, 3D bilayered devices ensured the mechanical stability required to guide the forming bone during the regeneration process. Conclusions: Overall, bioactive 2D or 3D electrospun platforms with microstructured and nanostructured properties can be used successfully as extracellular matrix analogues in bone regeneration. © 2012 Società Italiana Biomateriali.