A new study published in Materials compared performances of 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, in terms of their morphology and biological and mechanical behaviors.

Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to assess the morphological structure. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry was used to test the homogeneity. In vitro testing was evaluated using osteoblast (MC3T3-E1) cells.

The result 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. In addition, a 15-fold increase in Youngs Modulus and an eight-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 in the mechanical strength of this material acting as a reinforcement, enhancing the response of these constructs to tensile stress. In vitro results showed that both fibrous scaffolds were able to support osteoblast cell adhesion and proliferation and that fiber alignment induced increased cellular metabolic activity.

Furthermore, 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.

Source: de Siqueira L, Ribeiro N, Paredes M et al. Influence of PLLA/PCL/HA Scaffold Fiber Orientation on Mechanical Properties and Osteoblast Behavior. Materials. 2019;12(23):3879. doi:10.3390/ma12233879