Synthesis and Characterization of a Photo-Cross-Linked Bioactive Polycaprolactone-Based Osteoconductive Biocomposite Publisher Pubmed

Summary: A new biocomposite scaffold shows potential for bone tissue engineering, with promising biocompatibility. What does this mean for future applications? Study confirms it supports mineralization and biodegradation. #TissueEngineering #Biomaterials

Razazpour F¹ ; Najafi F² ; Moshaverinia A³ ; Fatemi SM^{4, 5} ; Sima S^{1, 6, 7}
Source: Journal of Biomedical Materials Research - Part A Published:2021

Abstract

In this study, a light cross-linkable biocomposite scaffold based on a photo-cross-linkable poly (propylene fumarate) (PPF)-co-polycaprolactone (PCL) tri-block copolymer was synthesized and characterized. The developed biodegradable scaffold was further modified with β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) bioceramic for bone tissue engineering applications. The developed biocomposite was characterized using H nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, the bioceramic particle size distribution and morphology were evaluated using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties and biodegradation of the scaffolds were also evaluated. Cytotoxicity and mineralization assays were performed to analyze the biocompatibility and bioactivity capacity of the developed biocomposite. The characterization data confirmed the development of a biodegradable and photo-cross-linkable PCL-based biocomposite reinforced with β-TCP bioceramic. In vitro analyses demonstrated the biocompatibility and mineralization potential of the synthesized bioceramic. Altogether, the results of the present study suggest that the photo-cross-linkable PCL-PPF-PCL tri-block copolymer reinforced with β-TCP is a promising biocomposite for bone tissue engineering applications. According to the results, this newly synthesized material has a proper chemical composition for further clinically-relevant studies in tissue engineering. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.