Three-Dimensional Poly(ε-caprolactone) Bioactive Scaffolds with Controlled Structural and Surface Properties

Abstract

The requirement of a multifunctional scaffold for tissue engineering capable to offer at the same time tunable structural properties and bioactive interface is still unpaired. Here we present three-dimensional (3D) biodegradable polymeric (PCL) scaffolds with controlled morphology, macro-, micro-, and nano-mechanical performances endowed with bioactive moieties (RGD peptides) at the surface. Such result was obtained by a combination of rapid prototyping (e.g., 3D fiber deposition) and surface treatment approach (aminolysis followed by peptide coupling). By properly designing process conditions, a control over the mechanical and biological performances of the structure was achieved with a capability to tune the value of compressive modulus (in the range of 60-90 MPa, depending on the specific lay-down pattern). The macromechanical behavior of the proposed scaffolds was not affected by surface treatment preserving bulk properties, while a reduction of hardness from 0.50-0.27 GPa to 0.1-0.03 GPa was obtained. The penetration depth of the chemical treatment was determined by nanoindentation measurements and confocal microscopy. The efficacy of both functionalization and the following bioactivation was monitored by analytically quantifying functional groups and/or peptides at the interface. NIH3T3 fibroblast adhesion studies evidenced that cell attachment was improved, suggesting a correct presentation of the peptide. Accordingly, the present work mainly focuses on the effect of the surface modification on the mechanical and functional performances of the scaffolds, also showing a morphological and analytical approach to study the functionalization/bioactivation treatment, the distribution of immobilized ligands, and the biological features.

Thickness-controllable electrospun fibers promote tubular structure formation by endothelial progenitor cells

“…For example, a method consisting of 3D fiber deposition and aminolysis, followed by peptide coupling, resulted in the fabrication of 3D PCL scaffolds with RGD (arginylglycylaspartic acid) surface peptides that exhibited controlled morphology as well as macro, micro, and nano-mechanical properties. 31 Extruded PCL scaffolds were also plasma-treated with a C 2 H 4 /N 2 deposition, followed by H 2 posttreatment, to coat the surface of 3D structures with a nitrogen-rich film containing groups to enhance the scaffold's hydrophilicity and cell affinity. 32 Furthermore, iron-doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were embedded in a PCL matrix to develop fully biodegradable nanocomposite 2D substrates for bone tissue engineering.…”

The role of 3D printing in anatomy education and surgical training: A narrative review

“…Due to increasing demand, research to improve regenerative medicine technology is needed and to that end, polymer-based scaffolds on which cells grow to produce a matrix must be manufactured (Steffens et al, 2013). There are several methods to do so but 3Dp allows detailed control of several aspects such as pore geometry, size, interconnectivity and spatial distribution within the scaffold (Gloria et al, 2012;Park et al, 2012). One study used poly ε-caprolactone (PCL) as the main material to evaluate stem cell interaction with the scaffold.…”

Synthesis and Mechanism of a Novel Organosilicone Used as a Selective Plugging Agent

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