Influence of PLLA/PCL/HA scaffold fiber orientation on mechanical properties and osteoblast behavior

Lilian de Siqueira, Nilza Ribeiro, Maria B. A. Paredes, Liliana Grenho, Cassilda Cunha-Reis, Eliandra S. Trichês, Maria H. Fernandes, Susana R. Sousa*, Fernando J. Monteiro

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Article number3879
JournalMaterials
Volume12
Issue number23
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2019

Keywords

  • Bone-like biomaterial
  • Electrospinning/ electrospraying technique
  • Mechanical properties
  • Nanohydroxyapatite
  • Osteoblasts
  • PLLA/PCL/HA scaffolds
  • Random and aligned fibers

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