Production and characterization of PCL (Polycaprolactone) coated TCP/nanoBG composite scaffolds by sponge foam method for orthopedic applications

Abstract

Bio-ceramics are a set of ceramic materials which possess an important feature called biocompatibility. Bioglass is one of the most applicable ceramic materials which results in bioactivity improvement due to the presence of Si as an ossification material. Besides, PCL polymer supported by bioglass nanoparticles was used to improve the mechanical properties. In this study, we combined TCP (Tricalciumphosphate) with NBG (nano-bioglass) with 4 different amounts (10%, 20%, 30% and 0%) to produce composite scaffolds (lost sponge foam method); then, we coated these composites by PCL (Polycaprolactone) biopolymer, and eventually, we evaluated its bioactivity, biodegradability and mechanical properties. SEM and EDS methods were used to study the morphology and bioactivity of scaffolds. The results of ion concentration measurement test and SEM and EDS analysis show the formation of Apatite on scaffold’s surface. The results from SEM indicate that most bioactivity was observed for composite scaffold containing 20%wt of nano-bioglass. Generally, the composite scaffold containing 20%wt of bioglass was presented as the most preferable sample, in terms of mechanical properties and bioactivity.