No abstract

This work is focused on the preparation of new environmentally friendly hydrogels derived from cellulose and hence originating from renewable resources and characterized by biodegradable properties. Two cellulose derivatives, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMCNa) and hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), were used for superabsorbent hydrogel preparation. Citric acid (CA), a crosslinking agent able to overcome toxicity and costs associated with other crosslinking reagents, was selected in a heat activated reaction. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and swelling measurements were performed during the reaction progress to investigate the CA reactivity with each of the polymers. Also, CMCNa/HEC polymer mixtures (3/1 w/ w) crosslinked with CA were investigated and compared with previous results. Finally, a possible reaction mechanism was proposed.

Polycaprolactone (PCL), a semicrystalline linear resorbable aliphatic polyester, is a good candidate as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering, due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, the poor mechanical properties of PCL impair its use as scaffold for hard tissue regeneration, unless mechanical reinforcement is provided. To enhance mechanical properties and promote osteoconductivity, hydroxyapatite (HA) particles were added to the PCL matrix: three PCL-based composites with different volume ratio of HA (13%, 20%, and 32%) were studied. Mechanical properties and structure were analysed, along with biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. The addition of HA particles (in particular in the range of 20% and 32%) led to a significant improvement in mechanical performance (e.g., elastic modulus) of scaffold. Saos-2 cells and osteoblasts from human trabecular bone (hOB) retrieved during total hip replacement surgery were seeded onto 3D PCL samples for 1-4 weeks. Following the assessment of cell viability, proliferation, morphology, and ALP release, HA-loaded PCL was found to improve osteoconduction compared to the PCL alone. The results indicated that PCL represents a potential candidate as an efficient substrate for bone substitution through an accurate balance between structural/ mechanical properties of polymer and biological activities.

No abstract