Hemocompatible and Bioactive Heparin‐Loaded PCL‐α‐TCP Fibrous Membranes for Bone Tissue Engineering

Abstract

The combination of bioactive components such as calcium phosphates and fibrous structures are encouraging niche-mimetic keys for restoring bone defects. However, the importance of hemocompatibility of the membranes is widely ignored. Heparin-loaded nanocomposite poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) fibrous membranes are developed to provide bioactive and hemocompatible constructs for bone tissue engineering. Nanocomposite membranes are optimized based on bioactivity, mechanical properties, and cell interaction. Consequently, various concentrations of heparin molecules are loaded within nanocomposite fibrous membranes. In vitro heparin release profiles reveal a sustained release of heparin over the period of 14 days without an initial burst. Moreover, heparin encapsulation enhances mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) attachment and proliferation, depending on the heparin content. It is concluded that the incorporation of heparin within TCP-PCL fibrous membranes provides the most effective cellular interactions through synergistic physical and chemical cues.

Bioactivity and Bone Cell Formation with Poly-ε-Caprolactone/Bioceramic 3D Porous Scaffolds

“…PCL-based fibrous nanocomposite membranes embedded with spherical α-TCP nanopowder were engineered as a drug carrier to use as hemocompatible and bioactive substrates for bone tissue engineering. The 1 wt.% α-TCP nanopowder (PCL-1α membrane) resulted in enhanced mechanical properties, bioactivity, and hydrophilicity of PCL-based membranes [ 47 ]. Influences of the composition and porosity of FDM 3D-printed PCL/β-TCP constructs were studied for bone tissue engineering.…”

Nanostructured Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration

“…The need for more precise control of porosity and pore size within scaffold materials has prompted the implementation of novel 3D printing systems which may offer such capabilities. 3D printing technologies such as fused deposition modeling, stereolithography, and selective laser sintering have enabled the production of scaffolds with greater spatial resolution and fidelity than traditional fabrication methods, while also offering the ability to introduce precise pore gradients which more effectively mimic the physical cues for growth found in native bone tissue (Bracaglia et al, 2017;Alehosseini et al, 2018;Malikmammadov et al, 2018;Babilotte et al, 2019). While 3D printing approaches to the design of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering are quite new and still being explored for their utility, they also offer strong potential for the 3D patterning of surface roughness and other key physical features, providing even further recapitulation of the native cues present in bone (Murphy and Atala, 2014).…”

Synthetic Bone Graft Materials in Spine Fusion: Current Evidence and Future Trends

“…[59][60][61] There are also a number of techniques for 3Dprinting polymer compounds, including fused deposition, stereolithography, and laser sintering that have enabled researchers to produce synthetic scaffolds to precisely control the architecture and mimic physical cues for bone growth found in native bone. 13,[62][63][64] These techniques have been used to produce polymer compounds with osteoconductive properties that are conducive to angiogenesis and osteogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. 65,66 One example is Hyperelastic Bone (Dimension Inx, Chicago, IL), 67 which has bone regenerative capacity and elasticity, thereby providing optimal surgical handling properties for deployment and use in the operating room.…”