Novel 3D porous multi-phase composite scaffolds based on PCL, thermoplastic zein and ha prepared via supercritical CO_2 foaming for bone regeneration

摘要

The aim of this study was the design of novel biodegradable porous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering (bTE) via supercritical CO_2 (scCO_2) foaming process. The porous scaffolds were prepared from a poly(ε-capro!actone)-thermoplastic zein multi-phase blend w/o interdispersed hydroxyapatite particles (HA) and the porous structure achieved via the scCO_2 foaming technology. The control of scaffolds porosity was obtained by modulating materials formulation and foaming temperature (T_F). The scaffolds were subjected to morphological, micro-structural and biodegradation analyses, as well as in vitro biocompat-ibility tests. Results demonstrated that both HA concentration and T_F significantly affected the micro-structural features of the scaffolds. In particular, scaffolds with porosity and pore size distribution, mechanical properties and biodegradability adequate for bTE were designed and produced by selecting a T_F equal to 100 ℃ for all the compositions used. The biocompatibility of these scaffolds was assessed in vitro by using osteoblast-like MG63 and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs).