An amphiphilic degradable polymer/hydroxyapatite composite with enhanced handling characteristics promotes osteogenic gene expression in bone marrow stromal cells

Electrospun polymer/hydroxyapatite (HA) composites combining biodegradability with osteoconductivity are attractive for skeletal tissue engineering applications. However, most biodegradable polymers such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA) are hydrophobic and do not blend with adequate interfacial adhesion with HA, compromising the structural homogeneity, mechanical integrity and biological performance of the composite. To overcome this challenge, we combined a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) block with poly(d,l-lactic acid) to improve the adhesion of the degradable polymer with HA. The amphiphilic triblock copolymer PLA–PEG–PLA (PELA) improved the stability of HA–PELA suspension at 25 wt.% HA content, which was readily electrospun into HA–PELA composite scaffolds with uniform fiber dimensions. HA–PELA was highly extensible (failure strain >200% vs. <40% for HA–PLA), superhydrophilic (～0° water contact angle vs. >100° for HA–PLA), and exhibited an 8-fold storage modulus increase (unlike deterioration for HA–PLA) upon hydration, owing to the favorable interaction between HA and PEG. HA–PELA also better promoted osteochondral lineage commitment of bone marrow stromal cells in unstimulated culture and supported far more potent osteogenic gene expression upon induction than HA–PLA. We demonstrate that the chemical incorporation of PEG is an effective strategy to improve the performance of degradable polymer/HA composites for bone tissue engineering applications.     

聚醚醚酮/纳米羟基磷灰石生物材料对MG-63细胞增殖作用

目的制备PEEK/HA复合材料,研究在不同时间和不同浓度条件下对MG-63细胞增殖的作用,评价其细胞毒性。测定该材料对MG-63细胞黏附率。方法合成聚醚醚酮,与一定含量的纳米羟基磷灰石共混,制备PEEK/HA复合材料。通过倒置荧光显微镜观察材料对细胞形态影响,采用MTT法研究在不同时间和不同浓度条件下对细胞增殖的作用,评价其细胞毒性。结果 PEEK/10%HA、PEEK/20%HA对细胞形态影响显示,都有大量活细胞,PEEK/20%HA中活细胞多于PEEK/10%HA,说明PEEK/20%HA对细胞增殖作用比PEEK/10%HA强,均有黏附现象。各组材料细胞毒性级别均在0或Ⅰ级,说明各组材料对细胞无毒性。在8mg/ml浓度下材料对细胞增殖有明显促进作用,随着浓度的增加,对细胞生长有明显的抑制作用,随着浓度进一步增加,材料对细胞增殖作用逐渐减小,曲线呈下降趋势,当浓度为64mg/ml时,PEEK复合材料对细胞增殖作用最小。PEEK/HA复合材料随着HA含量的增加,细胞黏附率增加,HA可以改善材料黏附性能。结论 PEEK/HA材料对MG-63细胞无毒性。     

Biomedical nanocomposites of hydroxyapatite/polycaprolactone obtained by surfactant mediation

The composite approach to combining bioactive ceramic and degradable polymer is a promising strategy in the development of bone regenerative matrices. Moreover, in the fabrication of composites, the nanoscale organization of each component should improve the level of structural integration as well as the resultant mechanical and biological properties. The aim of this study was to develop a novel nanocomposite system consisting of hydroxyapatite (HA) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL), wherein the HA nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed within the PCL matrix. The strategy was based on applying an amphiphilic surfactant, oleic acid in this case, between the HA and PCL. Oleic acid, which belongs to the fatty acid family and is generally noncytotoxic at the levels used in this study, is believed to mediate the interaction between the hydrophilic HA and hydrophobic PCL. With the mediation of oleic acid, the HA nanoparticles were distributed uniformly within the PCL matrix on the nanoscale (distributed particle size of less than 1 microm), which is in marked contrast to the conventionally mixed HA-PCL composite, in which the HA particles were severely agglomerated. The developed nanocomposite had significantly higher mechanical strength than did the conventional composite and the pure PCL. Moreover, the osteoblastic cells showed a better proliferation behavior on the nanocomposite than on the conventional composite. This HA-PCL nanocomposite mediated by oleic acid is expected to be useful in the bone regeneration field. Moreover, this methodology is applicable to the nanocomposite processing of other biomedical materials.     

Hydroxyapatite/poly(epsilon-caprolactone) composite coatings on hydroxyapatite porous bone scaffold for drug delivery

Hydroxyapatite (HA) porous scaffold was coated with HA and polycaprolactone (PCL) composites, and antibiotic drug tetracycline hydrochloride was entrapped within the coating layer. The HA scaffold obtained by a polymeric reticulate method, possessed high porosity ( approximately 87%) and controlled pore size (150-200 microm). Such a well-developed porous structure facilitated usage in a drug delivery system due to its high surface area and blood circulation efficiency. The PCL polymer, as a coating component, was used to improve the brittleness and low strength of the HA scaffold, as well to effectively entrap the drug. To improve the osteoconductivity and bioactivity of the coating layer, HA powder was hybridized with PCL solution to make the HA-PCL composite coating. With alteration in the coating concentration and HA/PCL ratio, the morphology, mechanical properties, and biodegradation behavior were investigated. Increasing the concentration rendered the stems thicker and some pores to be clogged; as well increasing the HA/PCL ratio made the coating surface be rough due to the large amount of HA particles. However, for all concentrations and compositions, uniform coatings were formed, i.e., with the HA particles being dispersed homogeneously in the PCL sheet. With the composite coating, the mechanical properties, such as compressive strength and elastic modulus were improved by several orders of magnitude. These improvements were more significant with thicker coatings, while little difference was observed with the HA/PCL ratio. The in vitro biodegradation of the composite coatings in the phosphate buffered saline solution increased linearly with incubation time and the rate differed with the coating concentration and the HA/PCL ratio; the higher concentration and HA amount caused the increased biodegradation. At short period (<2 h), about 20-30% drug was released especially due to free drug at the coating surface. However, the release rate was sustained for prolonged periods and was highly dependent on the degree of coating dissolution, suggesting the possibility of a controlled drug release in the porous scaffold with HA+PCL coating.     

Electrosprayed Hydroxyapatite on Polymer Nanofibers to Differentiate Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Osteogenesis

Abstract

Electrospraying of hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles onto the surface of polymer nanofibers provides a potentially novel substrate for the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into bone tissue regeneration. HA nanoparticles (4%) were electrosprayed on the surface of electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers (420 ± 15 nm) for bone tissue engineering. PCL/HA nanofibers were comparatively characterized with PCL/Collagen (275 ± 56 nm) nanofibers by FT-IR analysis to confirm the presence of HA. Fabricated PCL/HA and PCL/Collagen nanofibers and TCP (control) were used for the differentiation of equine MSC into osteogenic lineages in the presence of DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with β-glycerophosphate, ascorbic acid and dexamethasone. Cell proliferation and differentiation into an osteogenic lineage was evaluated by MTS assay, SEM observation, ALP activity, ARS staining, quantification of mineral deposition and expression of osteocalcin. Proliferation of MSCs increased significantly (P ? 0.05) up to 12% in PCL/Collagen (day 15) compared to PCL/HA nanofibrous substrate. ALP activity was increased 20% in PCL/HA by day 10 confirming the direction of osteogenic lineage from MSCs differentiation. PCL/HA stimulated an increased mineral secretion up to 26% by day 15 on ARS staining compared to PCL/Collagen nanofibers and showing cuboidal morphology by expressing osteocalcin. These results confirmed that the specifically fabricated PCL/HA composite nanofibrous substrate enhanced the differentiation of MSCs into osteogenesis.     

Biocompatibility of bioresorbable poly(L-lactic acid) composite scaffolds obtained by supercritical gas foaming with human fetal bone cells

The aim of this investigation was to test the biocompatibility of three-dimensional bioresorbable foams made of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA), alone or filled with hydroxyapatite (HA) or beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP), with human primary osteoblasts, using a direct contact method. Porous constructs were processed by supercritical gas foaming, after a melt-extrusion of ceramic/polymer mixture. Three neat polymer foams, with pore sizes of 170, 310, and 600 microm, and two composite foams, PLA/5 wt% HA and PLA/5 wt% beta-TCP, were examined over a 4-week culture period. The targeted application is the bone tissue-engineering field. For this purpose, human fetal and adult bone cells were chosen because of their highly osteogenic potential. The association of fetal bone cells and composite scaffold should lead to in vitro bone formation. The polymer and composite foams supported adhesion and intense proliferation of seeded cells, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Cell differentiation toward osteoblasts was demonstrated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymatic activity, gamma-carboxylated Gla-osteocalcin production, and the onset of mineralization. The addition of HA or beta-TCP resulted in higher ALP enzymatic activity for fetal bone cells and a stronger production of Gla-osteocalcin for adult bone cells.     

Evaluation of cytocompatibility and bending modulus of nanoceramic/polymer composites

In an attempt to simulate the microstructure and mechanical properties of natural bone, novel nanoceramic/polymer composite formulations were fabricated and characterized with respect to their cytocompatibility and mechanical properties. The bending moduli of nanocomposite samples of either poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with 30, 40, and 50 wt % of nanophase (<100 nm) alumina, hydroxyapatite, or titania loadings were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than those of pertinent composite formulations with conventional, coarser grained ceramics. The nanocomposite bending moduli were 1-2 orders of magnitude larger than those of the homogeneous, respective polymer. For example, compared with 0.06 GPa for the 100% PLA, the bending modulus of 50/50 nanophase alumina/PLA composites was 3.5 GPa. Osteoblast adhesion on the surfaces of the nanophase alumina/PLA composites increased as a function of the nanophase ceramic content. Most importantly, osteoblast adhesion on the 50/50 nanophase alumina/PLA substrates was similar to that observed on the 100% nanophase ceramic substrates. Similar trends of osteoblast adhesion were observed on the surfaces of the nanophase titania/polymer and nanophase hydroxyapaptite/polymer composites that were tested. In contrast, fibroblast adhesion on the nanophase composites was either similar or lower than that observed on the conventional composites with either PLA or PMMA and minimum on all tested neat nanophase substrates. The calcium content in the extracellular matrix of cultured osteoblasts was also enhanced on the nanoceramic/PLA composite substrates tested as a function of the nanophase ceramic loading and duration of cell culture. The results of the present in vitro study provide evidence that nanoceramic/polymer composite formulations are promising alternatives to conventional materials because they can potentially be designed to match the chemical, structural, and mechanical properties of bone tissue in order to overcome the limitations of the biomaterials currently used as bone prostheses.     

Biomineralized porous composite scaffolds prepared by chemical synthesis for bone tissue regeneration

Scaffold design is a key factor in the clinical success of bone tissue engineering grafts. To date, no existing single biomaterial used in bone repair and regeneration fulfils all the requirements for an ideal bone graft. In this study hydroxyapatite/polycaprolactone (HA/PCL) composite scaffolds were prepared by a wet chemical method at room temperature. The physico-chemical properties of the composite materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, while scaffold morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy to validate the process used for synthesis. Finally, the response of bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in terms of cell proliferation and differentiation to the osteoblastic phenotype was evaluated using the Alamar blue assay, SEM and alkaline phosphatase activity. Microstructural analysis indicated that the HA particles were distributed homogeneously within the PCL matrix. The biological results revealed that the HA/PCL composite scaffolds are suitable for the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs in vitro, supporting osteogenesis after 15 days. All the results indicate that these scaffolds meet the requirements of materials for bone tissue engineering and could be used for many clinical applications in orthopaedic and maxillofacial surgery.     

聚醚醚酮基骨科植入物的改性技术研究

目的 结合聚醚醚酮（PEEK）、聚乳酸（PLA）和硫酸软骨素锶（SrCS）各自的优势，制备出易加工、与松质骨力学性能匹配且兼具生物活性的聚醚醚酮基生物材料。方法 将熔融的PLA充分地填充在PEEK二维编织结构孔隙中，通过热压制备PLA/PEEK复合材料，并对其表面形貌和结构、结晶度、宏观和微观力学强度进行研究。随后在最优力学性能的PLA/PEEK复合材料中引入SrCS并使其与细胞共培养，通过MTT法评价细胞在复合材料上的增殖情况。结果 在155℃和10 MPa的热压条件下，PLA与PEEK细丝结合致密并形成了互锁结构，所得PLA/PEEK复合材料具有与松质骨相似的抗断裂性能、弹性模量和多尺度力学特性。SrCS的引入对复合材料的力学特性进行了微调，并显著提升其生物活性。结论 PLA和SrCS的引入可以有效地改善PEEK基材料的可加工性和生物活性，且结构互锁的PLA/PEEK复合材料具有仿松质骨的力学特性，因此SrCS/PLA/PEEK复合材料有潜力作为新型的骨科修复材料。     

Composite cell support membranes based on collagen and polycaprolactone for tissue engineering of skin

The preparation and characterisation of collagen:PCL composites for manufacture of tissue engineered skin substitutes and models are reported. Films having collagen:PCL (w/w) ratios of 1:4, 1:8 and 1:20 were prepared by impregnation of lyophilised collagen mats by PCL solutions followed by solvent evaporation. In vitro assays of collagen release and residual collagen content revealed an expected inverse relationship between the collagen release rate and the content of synthetic polymer in the composite that may be exploited for controlled presentation and release of biopharmaceuticals such as growth factors. DSC analysis revealed the characteristic melting point of PCL at around 60 degrees C and a tendency for the collagen component, at high loading, to impede crystallinity development within the PCL phase. The preparation of fibroblast/composite constructs was investigated using cell culture as a first stage in mimicking the dermal/epidermal structure of skin. Fibroblasts were found to attach and proliferate on all the composites investigated reaching a maximum of 2 x 10(5)/cm(2) on 1:20 collagen:PCL materials at day 8 with cell numbers declining thereafter. Keratinocyte growth rates were similar on all types of collagen:PCL materials investigated reaching a maximum of 6.6 x 10(4)/cm(2) at day 6. The results revealed that composite films of collagen and PCL are favourable substrates for growth of fibroblasts and keratinocytes and may find utility for skin repair.     

Monolithic and assembled polymer–ceramic composites for bone regeneration

The rationale for the use of polymer–ceramic composites for bone regeneration stems from the natural composition of bone, with collagen type I and biological apatite as the main organic and inorganic constituents, respectively. In the present study composite materials of PolyActive? (PA), a poly(ethylene oxide terephthalate)/poly(butylene terephtalate) co-polymer, and hydroxyapatite (HA) at a weight ratio of 85:15 were prepared by rapid prototyping (RP) using two routes. In the first approach pre-extruded composite filaments of PA–HA were processed using three-dimensional fibre deposition (3DF) (conventional composite scaffolds). In the second approach PA scaffolds were fabricated using 3DF and combined with HA pillars produced inside stereolithographic moulds that fitted inside the pores of the PA three-dimensional structure (assembled composite scaffolds). Analysis of calcium and phosphate release in a simulated physiological solution, not containing calcium or phosphate, revealed significantly higher values for the HA pillars compared with other scaffolds. Release in simulated body fluid saturated with respect to HA did not show significant differences among the different scaffolds. Human mesenchymal stromal cells were cultured on polymer (3DF), conventional composite (3DF-HA) and assembled composite (HA assembled in 3DF) scaffolds and assessed for morphology, metabolic activity, DNA amount and gene expression of osteogenic markers using real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the cells attached to and infiltrated all the scaffolds. Assembled composites had a higher metabolic activity compared with 3DF-HA scaffolds while no significant differences were observed in DNA amounts. Gene expression of osteopontin in the assembled composite was significantly higher compared with the conventional composites. The strategy of composite fabrication by assembly appears to be a promising alternative to the conventional composite fabrication route for scaffolds for bone regeneration.     

Bioabsorbable scaffolds for guided bone regeneration and generation

Several different bioabsorbable scaffolds designed and manufactured for guided bone regeneration and generation have been developed. In order to enhance the bioactivity and potential osteoconductivity of the scaffolds, different bioabsorbable polymers, composites of polymer and bioactive glass, and textured surface structures of the manufactured devices and composites were investigated in in vitro studies and experimental animal models. Solid, self-reinforced polyglycolide (SR-PGA) rods and self-reinforced poly L-lactide (SR-PLLA) rods were successfully used as scaffolds for bone formation in muscle by free tibial periosteal grafts in animal experiments. In an experimental maxillary cleft model, a bioabsorbable composite membrane of epsilon-caprolactone and L-lactic acid 50/50 copolymer (PCL/LLA) film and mesh and poly 96L,4D-lactide (PLA96) mesh were found to be suitable materials for guiding bone regeneration in the cleft defect area. The idea of solid layer and porous layer combined together was also transferred to stiff composite of poly 70L,30DL-lactide (PLA70) plate and PLA96 mesh which structure is introduced. The osteoconductivity of several different biodegradable composites of polymers and bioactive glass (BG) was shown by apatite formation in vitro. Three composites studied were self-reinforced composite of PLA70 and bioactive glass (SR-(PLA70 + BG)), SR-PLA70 plate coated with BG spheres, and Polyactive with BG.     

Solvent-free polymer/bioceramic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering: fabrication,analysis, and cell growth

This study examines the potential use of porous polycaprolactone (PCL) and polycaprolocatone/hydroxyapatite (PCL/HA) scaffolds fabricated through melt molding and porogen leaching for bone tissue engineering. While eliminating organic solvents is desirable, the process steps proposed in this study for uniformly dispersing HA particles (~5?μm in size) within the scaffold can also contribute to homogeneous properties for these porous composites. Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) was chosen as a porogen due to its similar density and melting point as PCL. Pore size of the scaffold was controlled by limiting the size of PCL and PEO particles used in fabrication. The percent of HA in the fabricated scaffolds was quantified by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Mechanical testing was used to compare the modulus of the scaffolds to that of bone, and the pore size distribution was examined with microcomputed tomography (μCT). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the effect on scaffold morphology caused by the addition of HA particles. Both μCT and SEM results showed that HA could be incorporated into PCL scaffolds without negatively affecting scaffold morphology or pore formation. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and elemental mapping demonstrated a uniform distribution of HA within PCL/HA scaffolds. Murine calvaria-derived MC3T3-E1 cells were used to determine whether cells could attach on scaffolds and grow for up to 21 days. SEM images revealed an increase in cell attachment with the incorporation of HA into the scaffolds. Similarly, DNA content analysis showed a higher cell adhesion to PCL/HA scaffolds.     

Improvement of dual-leached polycaprolactone porous scaffolds by incorporating with hydroxyapatite for bone tissue regeneration

Polycaprolactone (PCL)/hydroxyapatite (HA) composite scaffolds were prepared by combining solvent casting and salt particulate leaching with a polymer leaching technique. The hydrophilicity of the dual-leached scaffold was improved by alkaline (NaOH) treatment. Well-defined interconnected pores were detected by scanning electron microscopy. The water absorption capacity of the NaOH-treated PCL/HA dual-leached scaffold increased greatly, confirming that the hydrophilicity of the scaffold was improved by NaOH treatment. The compressive modulus of the PCL/HA dual-leached scaffold was greatly increased by the addition of HA particles. An indirect evaluation of the cytotoxicity of all PCL dual-leached scaffolds with mouse fibroblastic cells (L929) and mouse calvaria-derived pre-osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) indicated that the PCL dual-leached scaffolds are non-toxic to cells. The ability of the scaffolds to support mouse calvaria-derived pre-osteoblastic cell (MC3T3-E1) attachment, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization was also evaluated. Although the viability of cells was lower on the PCL/HA dual-leached scaffold than on the tissue-culture polystyrene plates (TCPS) and on the other substrates at early time points, both the PCL and NaOH-treated PCL/HA dual-leached scaffolds supported the attachment of MC3T3-E1 at significantly higher levels than TCPS. During the proliferation period (days 1–3), all of the PCL dual-leached scaffolds were able to support the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 at higher levels than the TCPS; in addition, the cells grown on NaOH-treated PCL/HA dual-leached scaffolds proliferated more rapidly. The cells cultured on the surfaces of NaOH-treated PCL/HA dual-leached scaffolds had the highest rate of mineral deposition.     

Preparation and Characterization of a Porous Scaffold Based on Poly(D,L-Lactide) and N-Hydroxyapatite by Phase Separation

In this study, a series of porous scaffolds were prepared from poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) and nanohydroxyapatite (HA) using the phase separation method. HA/PLA composite membranes and PLA membranes with a microporous structure (pore size around 10–20 μm) were observed by scanning electron microscopy and these micropores were well distributed throughout the PLA membranes. The surface morphology of HA/PLA composite membranes was significantly improved compared to pure PLA membrane. Also, the mechanical property and contact angle of composite membranes were different from that of pure PLA films. The immortalized rat osteoblastic ROS 17/2.8 cell line was used in this research to study the cell adhesion and proliferation behavior, and the results indicated that composite membranes had great cell affinity and good biocompatibility.     

Preparation and characterization of a porous scaffold based on poly(D,L-lactide) and N-hydroxyapatite by phase separation

In this study, a series of porous scaffolds were prepared from poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) and nanohydroxyapatite (HA) using the phase separation method. HA/PLA composite membranes and PLA membranes with a microporous structure (pore size around 10-20 μm) were observed by scanning electron microscopy and these micropores were well distributed throughout the PLA membranes. The surface morphology of HA/PLA composite membranes was significantly improved compared to pure PLA membrane. Also, the mechanical property and contact angle of composite membranes were different from that of pure PLA films. The immortalized rat osteoblastic ROS 17/2.8 cell line was used in this research to study the cell adhesion and proliferation behavior, and the results indicated that composite membranes had great cell affinity and good biocompatibility.     

Poly-epsilon-caprolactone/hydroxyapatite composites for bone regeneration: in vitro characterization and human osteoblast response

Polycaprolactone (PCL), a semicrystalline linear resorbable aliphatic polyester, is a good candidate as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering, due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, the poor mechanical properties of PCL impair its use as scaffold for hard tissue regeneration, unless mechanical reinforcement is provided. To enhance mechanical properties and promote osteoconductivity, hydroxyapatite (HA) particles were added to the PCL matrix: three PCL-based composites with different volume ratio of HA (13%, 20%, and 32%) were studied. Mechanical properties and structure were analysed, along with biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. The addition of HA particles (in particular in the range of 20% and 32%) led to a significant improvement in mechanical performance (e.g., elastic modulus) of scaffold. Saos-2 cells and osteoblasts from human trabecular bone (hOB) retrieved during total hip replacement surgery were seeded onto 3D PCL samples for 1-4 weeks. Following the assessment of cell viability, proliferation, morphology, and ALP release, HA-loaded PCL was found to improve osteoconduction compared to the PCL alone. The results indicated that PCL represents a potential candidate as an efficient substrate for bone substitution through an accurate balance between structural/ mechanical properties of polymer and biological activities.     

具有生物活性的高导复合支架材料制备表征及其生物相容性☆

背景：组织工程新材料必须既能支持组织生长,又能激发理想的细胞反应(如血管发生),而导电性则可促进包括神经在内的组织再生。 目的：构建一种新型材料,能将导电性和生物活性有效的结合起来,为组织工程提供一种理想的备选材料。 方法：将具有生物活性的透明质酸多糖和导电聚合物聚吡咯进行结合,制备具有生物活性的导电聚合物复合材料。 结果与结论：含有透明质酸多糖的聚吡咯/透明质酸双层膜具有光滑的表面形貌和良好的导电性。体外细胞相容性实验显示这种复合材料可显著促进神经轴突的延伸。体内实验显示该复合材料还具有良好的惰性和促血管生成效应,是一种较为理想的组织工程备选材料。     

Degradation and drug release of phosphate glass/polycaprolactone biological composites for hard-tissue regeneration

Phosphate-based glass (P-glass) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) composites were fabricated in a sheet form by solvent extraction and thermal pressing methods, and the antibiotic drug Vancomycin was loaded within the composites for use as a hard-tissue regenerative. The degradation and drug-release rate of the composites in vitro were tailored by modifying the glass composition: 0.45 P(2)O(5)-x CaO-(0.55-x)Na(2)O, where x=0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5. Compared to pure PCL, all the P-glass/PCL composites degraded to a higher degree, and the composite with lower-CaO glass showed a higher material loss. This was attributed mainly to the dissolution of the glass component. The glass dissolution also increased the degradation of PCL component in the composites. The Vancomycin release from the composites was strongly dependent on the glass composition. Drug release in pure PCL was initially abrupt and flattened out over a prolonged period. However, glass/PCL composites (particularly in the glass containing higher-CaO) exhibited a reduced initial burst and a higher release rate later. Preliminary cell tests on the extracts from the glass/PCL composites showed favorable cell proliferation, but the level was dependent on the ionic concentration of the extracts. The cell proliferation on the diluted extracts from the composite with higher-CaO glass was significantly higher than that on the blank culture dish. These observations confirmed that the P-glass/PCL composites are potentially applicable for use as hard-tissue regeneration and wound-healing materials because of their controlled degradation and drug-release profile as well as enhanced cell viability.     

The role of hydroxyapatite as solid signal on performance of PCL porous scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration

Highly porous composites made up of biodegradable poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) and stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (HA) particles have been developed as substrate for bone-tissue regeneration. The processing technique consists of phase inversion and particulate (salt crystals) leaching. Three different HA contents (13, 20 and 26 vol %) in PCL-based composite were considered in this study. Pore microstructure with fully interconnected network and pore sizes ranging around a few hundred of mum (macroporosity) was obtained as a result of salt particles removal by leaching process. Several microns (microporosity) porosity was also created through phase inversion of polymer solution. Total porosity up to 95% was achieved. Human marrow stromal cells (MSC) were seeded onto porous PCL-based composites for 1-5 weeks and cultured in osteogenic medium. MSC were able to adhere and grow on PCL-based substrates with a plateau at 3-4 weeks. However, the small effect of bioactive signals on the biological response evaluated in MSC cell culture suggests a prior role of topography on the biological response. Importantly, the presence of HA as a bioactive solid signal determines an increase of mechanical properties. On the overall, the results indicated that porous PCL-based composites are potential candidate for bone substitution with beneficial influence on structural characteristics by solid signal addition.