Regeneration of Bone Tissue Using Nanofibers Made From Electrospun Polycaprolactone (Pcl) and a Hydrogel Composed of Alginate (Alg/Pcl) Publisher



Ashrafi F¹ ; Emami A² ; Navaeinigjeh M¹ ; Izadi E³ ; Salehi S⁴ ; Seyhoun I^{2, 5} ; Aseer M⁶
Source: Regenerative Engineering and Translational Medicine Published:2025

Abstract

Introduction: Bone tissue regeneration is increasingly important due to the rise in bone-related injuries and diseases like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Traditional repair methods such as autografts, allografts, and synthetic grafts have limitations, including donor site issues, immune rejection, and lack of biological cues. This study investigates a composite scaffold made from electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers and alginate hydrogel, aiming to enhance bone regeneration. PCL offers mechanical strength and slow degradation, while alginate provides a biocompatible environment for cellular activities. Materials and Methods: The study comprehensively evaluates the scaffold's mechanical properties, including its tensile strength, Young's modulus, and compressive strength, to assess its. Additionally, the biocompatibility of the scaffold is examined through cytotoxicity assays and cell viability tests using MG63 osteosarcoma cells. The osteogenic potential of the scaffold is assessed by measuring key markers of bone differentiation, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization, in vitro. Results: SEM analysis showed that 40% of nanofibers had a diameter of 100–150 nm, promoting cell migration. Mechanical testing revealed that PCL incorporation significantly increased Young’s modulus (1.9 ± 3.3 kPa to 7.6 ± 9.2 kPa) and compressive strength (10.4 ± 8.7 kPa to 14.4 ± 17.8 kPa), enhancing scaffold stiffness. The Alg/PCL scaffold retained 51.62% of its weight after four weeks, degrading more slowly than alginate hydrogel (82.84%). Cytotoxicity assays showed higher cell viability in 3D cultures (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Mineralization and ALP activity were significantly greater in 3D cultures (P < 0.05), confirming the scaffold’s osteogenic potential for bone tissue engineering. Conclusions: These results suggest that the PCL-alginate scaffold offers promising mechanical and biological properties for bone tissue engineering, warranting further in vivo studies to confirm its efficacy in bone regeneration. Lay Summary: This study explores a new composite material for improving bone tissue regeneration. Traditional bone repair methods have drawbacks like immune rejection or lack of biological signals, so researchers are looking for better solutions. The material tested combines polycaprolactone (PCL), which provides mechanical strength, with alginate hydrogel, which supports cell activity. The scaffold's mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and ability to support bone growth were evaluated through various tests. The results showed that the scaffold has improved stiffness and slower degradation compared to alginate alone. It also promoted better cell survival and bone formation in lab cultures. The findings suggest that this composite scaffold could be a promising tool for bone regeneration, but further testing in animals is needed to confirm its effectiveness. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The Regenerative Engineering Society 2025.