Development of 3D PCL microsphere/TiO2 nanotube composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Abstract

In this research, the three dimensional porous scaffolds made of a polycaprolactone (PCL) microsphere/TiO nanotube (TNT) composite was fabricated and evaluated for potential bone substitute applications. We used a microsphere sintering method to produce three dimensional PCL microsphere/TNT composite scaffolds. The mechanical properties of composite scaffolds were regulated by varying parameters, such as sintering time, microsphere diameter range size and PCL/TNT ratio. The obtained results ascertained that the PCL/TNT (0.5wt%) scaffold sintered at 60°C for 90min had the most optimal mechanical properties and an appropriate pore structure for bone tissue engineering applications. The average pore size and total porosity percentage increased after increasing the microsphere diameter range for PCL and PCL/TNT (0.5wt%) scaffolds. The degradation rate was relatively high in PCL/TNT (0.5wt%) composites compared to pure PCL when the samples were placed in the simulated body fluid (SBF) for 6weeks. Also, the compressive strength and modulus of PCL and PCL/TNT (0.5wt%) composite scaffolds decreased during the 6weeks of storage in SBF. MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay and alkaline phosphates (ALP) activity results demonstrated that a generally increasing trend in cell viability was observed for PCL/TNT (0.5wt%) scaffold sintered at 60°C for 90min compared to the control group. Eventually, the quantitative RT-PCR data provided the evidence that the PCL scaffold containing TiO nanotube constitutes a good substrate for cell differentiation leading to ECM mineralization.

Trinity of Three-Dimensional (3D) Scaffold, Vibration, and 3D Printing on Cell Culture Application: A Systematic Review and Indicating Future Direction

“…3DP droplet-based techniques mainly include ink-jet printing, direct-write printing, and micro pen writing [ 17 , 33 , 35 ]. For precise deposition, this system can utilize different materials, such as wax, liquid biomaterials, or a chemical binder onto a surface to construct 3D scaffold with specific chemical properties [ 25 , 33 , 49 ].…”

In Vitro Cell Responses of MG-63 Osteoblast Cells on Bioactive Diopside and Wollastonite Nano-Bioceramics for Biomedical Applications

“…It can be discussed that Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ made hydrolysis of the silica groups which generated the initial apatite crystals, and caused the Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ ions to be released. The ions migrated to the silica surface and finally a CaO-P 2 O 5 film was developed on the silica surface, and apatite crystals were nucleated [26,27]. With respect to the discussions, it is concluded that wollastonite and diopside are bioactive nano-bioceramics which can possess bone tissue biomineralization for biomedical applications.…”

Nanotubes Reinforcement of Degradable Polymers for Orthopedic Applications

“…Titanium nanotubes-TiNTs: Titanium and titanium-based alloys are known for their high mechanical strength and corrosion resistance 34 and are widely used materials for orthopedic applications. Highly ordered nanoporous arrays of titanium dioxide that form on titanium surface by anodic oxidation are receiving increasing research interest due to their effectiveness in promoting osseointegration.…”