Development and performance analysis of PCL/silica nanocomposites for bone regeneration

Abstract

In the present article, several developments of biocomposites containing silica nanoparticles intended for bone regeneration are reported. Nanocomposites of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and silica, in which either the silica nanoparticles or the PCL have been modified in order to improve interfacial adhesion through chemical graft between the phases are hereafter described. The composites are characterized with respect to their chemical-physical and mechanical properties. Their biocompatibility and capacity to induce the osteoblastic phenotype in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells have been assessed.