Development of Novel 3D Scaffolds Using BioExtruder by the Incorporation of Silica into Polycaprolactone Matrix for Bone Tissue Engineering

Publication date: Available online 18 September 2019Source: Materials Today CommunicationsAuthor(s): Nandini A. Pattanashetti, Sara Biscaia, Carla Moura, Geoffrey R. Mitchell, Mahadevappa Y. KariduraganavarAbstractDevelopment of three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds has acquired a great importance for bone repair and tissue reconstruction. Thus, this paper addresses the development of 3D scaffolds by varying the content of silicon dioxide (SiO2) in polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix. The scaffolds were fabricated by employing a novel fused deposition modelling technique (BioExtruder). The physicochemical properties of the developed 3D scaffolds were systematically studied using various techniques. The thermal properties and stability of the PCL and its composites were assessed using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The morphology of the developed scaffolds was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy, and found that the pore size was increased from 270 to 320 µm with increasing the SiO2 content in the PCL matrix. The wettability of the developed scaffolds was assessed using contact angle meter. The scaffold incorporating 15 weight% of SiO2 exhibited the highest hydrophilic property as well as thermal stability. The Young’s modulus value determined using universal testing machine indicated that the scaffold developed with 15 wt% of SiO2 exhibits 99.6 MPa. To assess the performance of the scaffolds for tissue engineerin...
Source: Materials Today Communications - Category: Materials Science Source Type: research