Biodegradable polycaprolactone-chitosan three-dimensional scaffolds fabricated by melt stretching and multilayer deposition for bone tissue engineering: assessment of the physical properties and cellular response

Abstract

Fabrication of polycaprolactone (PCL)-chitosan (CS) three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds using the novel technique of melt stretching and multilayer deposition was introduced. In brief, firstly, the PCL-CS monofilaments containing 0% (pure PCL), 10%, 20% and 30% CS by weight were fabricated by melting and stretching processes. Secondly, the desired multilayer (3D) scaffolds were fabricated by arranging and depositing the filaments. Physical properties of the filaments and the scaffolds were evaluated. MC3T3-E1 cell lines were seeded on the scaffolds to assess their proliferation. A typical micro-groove pattern was found on the surfaces of pure PCL filaments due to stretching. The filaments of PCL-30%CS had the highest tendency of fracture during stretching and could not be used to form the scaffold. Increasing CS proportions tended to reduce the micro-groove pattern, surface roughness, tensile strength and elasticity of the filaments, whilst compressive strength of the PCL-CS scaffolds was not affected. The average pore size and porosity of the scaffolds were 536.90 ± 17.91 µm and 45.99 ± 2.8% respectively. Over 60 days, degradation of the scaffolds gradually increased (p > 0.05). The more CS containing scaffolds were found to increase in water uptake, but decrease in degradation rate. During the culture period, the growth of the cells in PCL-CS groups was significantly higher than in the pure PCL group (p < 0.05). On culture-day 21, the growth in the PCL-20%CS group was significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the PCL-20%CS scaffolds obtained the optimum results in terms of physical properties and cellular response.

The Development of a ɛ-Polycaprolactone Scaffold for Central Nervous System Repair

“…Polymers can also be blended with each other, to combine properties of their constituent materials including PCL/PGLA 13 and PCL/ chitosan. 14,15 They can be combined with other treatment strategies, such as cell transplants including glia that is, Schwann cells or olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), neural progenitor cells, or stem cells [16][17][18][19] ; or impregnated with compounds noted for their neurotrophic properties or ability to disrupt the inhibitory scar environment. This combinatorial approach has demonstrated some success in the encouragement of neurite outgrowth or functional recovery, such as the combination of a PCL scaffold with neural progenitor cell implantation and perfusion with chondroitinase ABC, 18 or PCL nanofibers impregnated with the brainderived neurotrophic factor.…”

Repairing calvarial defects with biodegradable polycaprolactone–chitosan scaffolds fabricated using the melt stretching and multilayer deposition technique

“…According to our study [13], the PCL-20%CS scaffolds achieved the most superior results for supporting osteoblast proliferation, followed by PCL-10%CS scaffolds and pure PCL scaffolds, respectively. In addition, the following experiments indicated that the cells cultured on the PCL-20%CS scaffolds could produce more mineralized matrixes than those with other proportions.…”

“…In addition, the mechanical testing indicated that the scaffolds are suitable for withstanding forces occurring in real circumstances of the reconstruction in oral and maxillofacial region [14]. Regarding the economical consideration, the cost of the scaffolds is significantly cheaper than importing scaffolds, therefore, MSMD is the main technique for fabricating biodegradable scaffolds in our future studies.According to our study [13], the PCL-20%CS scaffolds achieved the most superior results for supporting osteoblast proliferation, followed by PCL-10%CS scaffolds and pure PCL scaffolds, respectively. In addition, the following experiments indicated that the cells cultured on the PCL-20%CS scaffolds could produce more mineralized matrixes than those with other proportions.…”

“…MSMD processing is a melt blending technique without any porogens and solvents, therefore it is considered clean. The scaffolds including pure PCL scaffolds and PCL-CS scaffolds containing 10% and 20% CS by weight are successfully fabricated using this technique [13]. The PCL-CS scaffolds are specifically designed for enhancing osteoconductive property.…”

“…The PCL-CS scaffolds are specifically designed for enhancing osteoconductive property. A microgroove pattern, typically found on the surfaces of those scaffolds is proved to support attachment of osteoblasts [13]. An interconnecting pore system of those scaffolds is designed to be appropriate for new bone regeneration.…”