High Nanodiamond Content-PCL Composite for Tissue Engineering Scaffolds

Abstract

Multifunctional scaffolds are becoming increasingly important in the field of tissue engineering. In this research, a composite material is developed using polycaprolactone (PCL) and detonation nanodiamond (ND) to take advantage of the unique properties of ND and the biodegradability of PCL polymer. Different ND loading concentrations are investigated, and the physicochemical properties of the composites are characterized. ND-PCL composite films show a higher surface roughness and hydrophilicity than PCL alone, with a slight decrease in tensile strength and a significant increase in degradation. Higher loading of ND also shows a higher osteoblast adhesion than the PCL alone sample. Finally, we show that the ND-PCL composites are successfully extruded to create a 3D scaffold demonstrating their potential as a composite material for tissue regeneration.

Diamond in the Rough: Toward Improved Materials for the Bone−Implant Interface

“…NDs (crystal size between 3 and 100 nm) can be purchased commercially as powders or aqueous suspensions. [ 13 ] Typically, ND coatings are processed as part of a composite [ 17,18 ] or via dip coating producing a monolayer‐type thin film. [ 11,19 ] NDs present a cheaper and simpler coating process; albeit with a less compact layer, possible leakage of NDs, and higher variability.…”

Nanodiamond-containing composites for tissue scaffolds and surgical implants: A review

“…Tissue scaffolds and surgical implants: Due to the restoring potential for damaged tissue, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering are of great interest [174][175][176][177]. Like protein-coated materials, ND monolayers have been indicated to act as a suitable platform for the growth of neuronal cells [178].…”

“…Also, microbial activity decreased with the increase in the ND content. Fox et al [177] also reported the synthesis of PCL/ND composites by the solvent casting method. The results demonstrated that hydrophilicity and surface roughness of the ND-PCL composite films were higher than those of PCL alone.…”

Diamond in medical devices and sensors: An overview of diamond surfaces

“…Work by Fox et al showed improved human osteoblast cellular adhesion on their soft composite of polycaprolactone with NDs, when compared to polycaprolactone alone. The ND‐polymer composite was extruded through a needle in a simple design printed prototype scaffold (Fox et al, 2020b). Although this work highlights the potential for additively manufactured diamond composites, it requires improvement to get the mechanical properties and complex geometries closer to those required of implants.…”