title: Poly-epsilon-caprolactone/hydroxyapatite composites for bone regeneration: in vitro characterization and human osteoblast response.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Composite and Biomedical Materials (IMCB-CNR) and Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Biomaterials, University of Naples Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Causa
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Netti
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ambrosio
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ciapetti
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Baldini
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pagani
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Martini
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Giunti
mesh_terms: D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000378:metabolism; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001861:Bone Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D002460:Cell Line; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D017886:Durapatite / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D010316:Particle Size; D011091:Polyesters / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013499:Surface Properties; D023822:Tissue Engineering
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; C016240:polycaprolactone; D017886:Durapatite; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase