Sustained releasing sponge-like 3D scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications

Biomed Mater. 2017 Dec 28;13(1):015019. doi: 10.1088/1748-605X/aa8bcd.

Abstract

Tissue engineering (TE) is envisaged to play a vital role in improving quality of life by restoring, maintaining or enhancing tissue and organ functions. TE scaffolds that are two-dimensional in structure suffer from undesirable issues, such as pore blockage, and do not closely mimic the native extra-cellular matrix in tissues. Significant efforts have therefore been channeled to fabricate three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds using various techniques, especially electrospinning. In this study, we propose a modified one-step electrospinning process to arrive at a 3D scaffold with highly interconnected pores. Using a blend of poly (L-lactide)/polycaprolactone/poly (ethylene oxide), this mechanically viable, sponge-like 3D scaffold exhibited sufficiently large pores and enabled cell penetration beyond 500 μm. Dexamethasone (Dex) was loaded into the fibers and a sustained drug release was achieved. Further, the potential of this Dex-loaded 3D scaffold was evaluated for upregulation of osteogenic genes with mesenchymal stem cells. The as-produced Dex-loaded 3D scaffold possesses a unique intertwined sub-micron fibrous morphology that can be tailored for use in bone tissue engineering and beyond.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bone and Bones / physiology*
  • Compressive Strength
  • Dexamethasone / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods
  • Materials Testing
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Osteogenesis
  • Polyesters / chemistry
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Porosity
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Tensile Strength
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Polyesters
  • polycaprolactone
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • poly(lactide)
  • Dexamethasone