Scaffolds based on aligned and non-aligned poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers obtained by electrospinning, associated to electrosprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) for tissue engineering applications were developed and their performance was compared in terms of their morphology and biological and mechanical behaviors. The morphological results assessed by scanning electron microscopy showed a mesh of PLLA/PCL fibers (random and perfectly aligned) associated with aggregates of nanophased HA. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry confirmed the homogeneity in the blends and the presence of nanoHA in the scaffold. As a result of fiber alignment a 15-fold increase in Young’s Modulus and an 8-fold increase in tensile strength were observed when compared to non-aligned fibers. In PLLA/PCL/HA scaffolds, the introduction of nanoHA caused a remarkable improvement of the mechanical strength of this material acting as a reinforcement, enhancing the response of these constructs to tensile stress. In vitro testing was evaluated using osteoblast (MC3T3-E1) cells. The results showed that both fibrous scaffolds were able to support osteoblast cell adhesion and proliferation and that fiber alignment induced increased cellular metabolic activity. In addition, the adhesion and proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated and a lower number of colony forming units (CFUs) was obtained in the scaffolds with aligned fibers.

Abstract Electrospinning is a simple and low-cost way to fabricate fibers. Among the various polymers used in electrospinning, polycaprolactone (PCL) stands out due to its excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, PCL has some limitations such as low bioactivity, hydrophobic surface, and long in vivo degradation. Calcium phosphate ceramics have been recognized as an attractive biomaterial. They are bioactive and osteoinductive, and some are even quite biodegradable. Different contents of particles of beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) were incorporated in polymer matrix to form fibers of PCL/β-TCP composites by electrospinning for possible application in tissue regeneration. The presence of β-TCP particles promoted some changes in the thermal properties of the fibers. The immersion of PCL/β-TCP 8 wt-% fibers in simulated body fluid (SBF) caused the formation of a denser and homogeneous apatite layer on its surface.

Scaffolds of bioglass derived from BG45S5 (45 wt% SiO2, 24.5 wt% CaO, 24.5 wt% Na2O and 6 wt% P2O5) containing 10 wt% niobium were prepared by gelcasting method. The scaffolds presented a 3D porous structure with interconnected and spherical pores (pore size range 100 μm to 500 μm) and high porosity (89%), similar to trabecular architecture of spongy bone. The compressive strength was 0.18 ± 0.03 MPa which is acceptable for bone repair applications. The in vitro biological studies showed cytocompatibility for human osteoblastic cells as well tendency for higher alkaline phosphatase activity. Therefore, the findings here suggest the great potential of the scaffolds for using in bone tissue engineering.