Customizing the degradation and load-bearing profile of 3D polycaprolactone-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds under enzymatic and hydrolytic conditions.
The degradation of polycaprolactone-20% tricalcium phosphate (PCL-TCP) scaffolds was customized for dentoalveolar augmentation applications, where 5-6 months period is optimal. The scaffolds were treated with either 3M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or 0.1% lipase solution for a total of 108 h. A greater degree of degradation and reduction in the physical properties of the scaffolds was observed in the lipase treated when compared with NaOH-treated scaffolds. After 108 h, increases in weight loss and average porosity of the scaffolds in the lipase-treated group measured 90.6% and 22.9%, respectively, when compared with 52.8% and 11.8% in the NaOH-treated group. The mechanical testing results revealed a similar trend, with a complete loss of compressive strength and modulus measured as early as 60 h in the lipase-treated group. The honeycomblike architecture was well preserved throughout the experiment only for the NaOH-treated scaffolds in addition to a favorable surface roughness ideal for bone-regeneration applications. In conclusion, pretreatment with NaOH demonstrates a simple approach for tailoring the physical properties and degradation rate of PCL-TCP scaffolds for the potential use as biomaterials targeted for dentoalveolar bone-regeneration procedures.
Yeo
Alvin
A
Department of Restorative Dentistry, National Dental Centre, SingHealth, Singapore, Singapore.
Sju
Ervi
E
Rai
Bina
B
Teoh
Swee Hin
SH
D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000737:chemistry*; D006868:Hydrolysis; D008049:Lipase / Q000378:metabolism*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D011091:Polyesters; C016240:polycaprolactone; D008049:Lipase; C018392:tricalcium phosphate