Biodegradable composite of poly ε-caprolactone/hydroxyapatite 3-d scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Abstract

Utilizing salt leaching method, a composite maaterial of PCL (Poly ε-caprolactone) and HA (Hydroxyapatite) particles was suggested as a potential scaffold for bone tissue engineering. For this, composite materials were prepared with various HA contents (20wt%, 40wt%, 60wt%). To ensure the potential for the scaffolds, porosity, mechanical stiffness, proliferation tests were conducted along with SEM observations. The addition of HA particles enhanced proliferation of MG-63 during the test. Also, the mechanical stiffness was increased as HA particles were added. Even the porosity was decreased as the contents of HA particles was increased, the porosity of the composite with the highest contents of HA was still adoptable (~85%). From the study we conducted, addition of HA particles to PCL showed promising results. However, further studies are needed such as long term tests for osteoconductivi-ties, regeneration of extracellular matrices, and differentiation utilizing BMSC (bone marrow stromal cell) with animals.