Preparation of open porous polycaprolactone microspheres and their applications as effective cell carriers in hydrogel system

► The open porous polycaprolactone microspheres were fabricated using paraffin as a porogen. ► The microspheres exhibited porous surface and inter-connective pore structure. ► The surface and internal pore size and porosity of microsphere could be controlled. ► The porous microspheres exhibited an improved cell adhesion and proliferation. ► Mesenchymal stem cells survived and proliferated in microsphere/hydrogel composite.