Conductive poly(ε‐caprolactone)/polylactic acid scaffolds for tissue engineering applications: Synergy effect of zirconium nanoparticles and polypyrrole

Abstract

Biocompatible and electrically conductive porous scaffolds with a desirable hydrophilicity and degradation rate and suitable mechanical performance are highly favorable for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. In this study, we fabricated three-dimensional (3D) porous bioscaffolds from poly(ε-caprolactone) and polylactic acid containing different concentrations of zirconia nanoparticles (n-ZrO 2 ) through freeze-drying technique. Afterward, the surface of the scaffolds was coated with an electrically conductive layer through in situ polymerization of polypyrrole (PPy) on the samples. Bioscaffolds exhibited a favorable range of mechanical properties and electrical conductivity, meeting the required mechanical performances and conductivity for a broad range of tissue engineering applications. Coating PPy on the scaffolds resulted in significantly higher hydrophilicity and faster biodegradation rate, as well as a noticeable enhancement on the in vitro cell attachment, proliferation, and viability. Our findings indicated that the simultaneous presence of n-ZrO 2 and PPy in the system presents a noticeable synergistic effect in overall properties and introduces the fabricated 3D porous scaffolds as promising candidates for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

Introducing photo-crosslinked bio-nanocomposites based on polyvinylidene fluoride/poly(glycerol azelaic acid)-g-glycidyl methacrylate for bone tissue engineering

“…Typically, elastic and viscoelastic properties of most polymeric scaffolds decline under physiological conditions, which may further affect their biocompatibility and in vivo performance. 44 The swelling degree of bioscaffolds in physiological media is one of the most critical properties, considerably affecting the biodegradation rate, mechanical integrity, and viscoelasticity of the scaffolds once implanted in the body. On the other hand, a desirable water uptake capacity is advantageous to nutrient exchange, cell proliferation, and metabolic function support, which are known to be vital factors in TE and regenerative medicine.…”

“…A suitable biodegradation rate stimulates the cells to produce their extracellular matrix (ECM), replacing the scaffolds with newly grown tissues. 44 The in vitro degradation of the scaffolds fabricated using biopolyesters begins with the swelling of the scaffold because of the infiltration with the PBS solution. Next, the ester bonds hydrolyze and break.…”

Wnt3a-Modified Nanofiber Scaffolds Facilitate Tendon Healing by Driving Macrophage Polarization during Repair

“…Electrospinning, one of the most common methodologies in nanofiber production, involves applying a high voltage to a polymeric solution entrapped in a syringe to obtain biomimetic nanofibrous constructs . These nanofibrous constructs can be used not only as tissue engineering scaffolds but also for a variety of applications such as delivery of bioactive molecules or drugs, electrical signaling, and antibacterial/microbial agents after appropriate modification and introduction of reactive substances. − Based on this, we speculate that the local delivery of biological signals in the injury area of the tendon can be achieved using biomaterial scaffolds to regulate the conversion of inflammatory signals to regenerative signals during tendon repair. In this study, a tendon-repair scaffold was designed and prepared through an electrospinning process, and the scaffold was combined with Wnt3a protein through covalent binding (Figure B).…”

Recent advances in modified poly (lactic acid) as tissue engineering materials

“…Also noted is the use of a freeze-drying technique to prepare a PCL/PLA scaffold containing zirconium (n-ZrO 2 ) nanoparticles. The scaffolds were subsequently coated with polypyrrole and then enhanced their hydrophilicity and supported in vitro human corneal epithelial cell viability, attachment, and proliferation, suggesting a possible use in regenerative medicine [ 207 ]. Lastly, Ye et al called attention to the PCL/ PLA/ microcrystalline cellulose composites fabricated via extrusion technology.…”