Development of polycaprolactone/chitosan blend porous scaffolds

Abstract

Polycaprolactone (PCL) and chitosan were blended to fabricate porous scaffolds for tissue-engineering applications by employing a concentrated acetic acid solution as solvent and salt particles as porogen. These scaffolds showed well-controlled and interconnected porous structures. The pore size and porosity of the scaffolds could be effectively modulated by selecting appropriate amounts and sizes of porogen. The results obtained from compressive mechanical measurements indicated that PCL/chitosan could basically retain their strength in their dry state compared to individual components. In a hydrated state, their compressive stress and modulus could be still well maintained even though the weight ratio of chitosan reached around 50 wt%.

Properties of PLA/PCL particles as vehicles for oral delivery of the androgen hormone 17α-methyltestosterone

“…PCL is a semi-crystalline polymer [14,15] of low melting temperature, with crystallinity degree ranging from 45 and 67% [9]. Variation on its molar mass and crystallinity degree significantly affect its physical, mechanical, and thermal properties as well as its degradation rate [15], and PCL biodegradability can be improved by its combination with other polymers [17]. The largest use of PCL is in the production of drug carriers, since this polymer is able to form structures (blended or not with other polymers) with high drug permeation.…”

In vitro growth and activity of chondrocytes on three dimensional polycaprolactone/chitosan scaffolds

“…It has been documented that GAGs are consisted of unbranched long‐chains with repeating disaccharide units, and function as one of major components of extracellular matrix inside the bone and cartilage issues 24, 38. GAGs connected to the protein core are also organized to construct proteoglycans, and these complex molecules can play a critical role in modulating cell morphology, proliferation, and differentiation 39.…”

“…Porosity of scaffolds was measured using a known method 24. A mercury intrusion porosimeter (AutoPore IV 9500, Micromeritics) was used to determine the pore‐size distribution of scaffolds.…”

Preparation, Properties and Applications of Chitosan-Based Biocomposites/Blend Materials: A Review

“…It was found that, at the weight ratio of 80:20 (Cs: PCL) the result showed an increased percentage of elongation by 20.56% as compared to pure Cs film. Use of a 50:50 blend ratio of Cs to PCL, processed at 55 • C in an oven, produced composites that showed significant improvement in mechanical properties with tensile strength up to 4.5 MPa and strain 25%, respectively [246,247]. In addition, measured cellular activity results suggested that the chloroform as solvent for blending process did not produce any cytotoxicity in the blend [248,249].…”