Microporous membranes of PLLA/PCL blends for periosteal tissue scaffold

Flexible microporous scaffold membranes of poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) blend were developed for bone regeneration. The new membranes overcome the fragility problems of PLLA membranes. When the PCL content in the blend was increased to 50%, the mechanical property for elongation was significantly improved without sacrificing the pores on the membrane surface that help tissue segments adhere the membrane. However, further increases in PCL content reduced the surface pores. In addition, spontaneous cell invasion and formation of cell-multilayers were observed in the membrane of PLLA/PCL blend (50:50). These results indicate that the porous membrane of PLLA/PCL blend (50:50) is useful for the preparation of periosteal sheets in tissue engineering.

► Flexible microporous scaffold membranes of PLLA/PCL blend have been developed.
► The fragile property of PLLA membrane was improved by increasing PCL content.
► The microporous surface was suitable for the initial adhesion of periosteal tissues.
► The internal macroporous structure facilitated the growth of periosteal cells.
► The PLLA/PCL blend scaffold would be a promising material for bone regeneration.