Hydroxyapatite/poly-l-lactide nanocomposites coating improves the adherence and proliferation of human bone mesenchymal stem cells on porous biphasic calcium phosphate scaffolds

A well-developed three-dimensional (3-D) biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffold with interconnectivity and high porosity was fabricated for bone tissue engineering. After being coated with hydroxyapatite/poly-l-lactide (HA/PLLA) nanocomposites, the scaffold maintained the framework structure, and the porous network structure of scaffolds remained unchanged. MTT assay showed significantly increased proliferation of human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) on coated BCP scaffolds compared with uncoated scaffolds 5 days after seeding (p<0.05). Under scanning electron microscopy, hBMSCs on the coated BCP scaffolds showed more spreading on the first day after seeding. Furthermore, flocculent mineral accretions were formed on the surface of HA/PLLA coating. Cell adherence and proliferation ability of hBMSCs on scaffolds were improved by coating with HA/PLLA nanocomposites.

► Hydroxyapatite/poly-l-lactide nancomposite coating maintained the framework structure of porous biphasic calcium phosphate scaffold.
► Nanocomposite coating on scaffolds improved proliferations of hBMSCs.
► hBMSCs possessed a favorable spreading morphology on coated scaffold surface.
► Flocculent mineral accretions were formed on the surface of HA/PLLA coating.