Functionalization of poly(caprolactone) scaffolds by the surface mineralization for use in bone regeneration

The surface of a synthetic biopolymer scaffold was tailored by a mineralization with calcium phosphate for use as a functional bone tissue engineering matrix. Poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffold with a defined pore configuration constructed by a robocasting method was treated in a series of solutions involving steps of surface activation and calcium phosphate induction. The scaffold surface was completely covered with calcium phosphate nanocrystallites that had typical characteristics of bone mineral-like carbonate apatite. The scaffold with mineralized-surface demonstrated to support more favorable bone cell responses, including initial cell adhesion and proliferation and to allow higher loading of protein than the untreated-scaffold. The results suggest the developed scaffold has the potential for use as a bone regenerative matrix.

► Surface of poly(caprolactone) porous scaffold was mineralized.
► Mineralized scaffold stimulated bone cell adhesion and proliferation.
► Protein adsorption was significantly higher on the mineralized surface.