Fabrication and Characterization of Hybrid Scaffolds Based on β-TCP/PCL-HAp/Gel Nanofibers for Bone Regeneration

Abstract

Design and production of nanofibrous scaffolds for medical application especially tissue engineering have attracted considerable interest in last 2 decades. Recently, 3D bioactive scaffolds have been made to repair human bone tissue. They should contain a mineral phase such as bioceramics with synthetic or natural polymers. Here, we report fibrous scaffolds made of a combination of 20% PCL and 15% gelatin with acetic acid as a co-solvent. In order to produce fibrous scaffolds, β-tricalcium phosphate loaded PCL and hydroxy apatite-Gel solutions were electrospun. For this, HAp with different weight percentages (5, 10%) were added to gelatin polymeric solution and the HAp/Gel blend was injected from one syringe. The other syringe was included 5% and 10% of β-TCP in PCL solution. After producing nanofibrous webs, their surface morphology was examined by SEM images. These results showed that PCL/β-TCP-Gel/HAp nanofibers have some features such as random arrangement with agglomeration of particles and proper porosity. Also, hydrophilicity and mechanical properties of hybrid webs were investigated. These scaffolds not only possess properties such as biocompatibility and tensile modulus, but also sufficient water absorption that will improve the adhesion process and proliferation of osteoblasts cells. Besides, cell culture studies showed good adhesion and proliferation.