Preparation of porous PLGA/HA/collagen scaffolds with supercritical CO2 and application in osteoblast cell culture

Biocompatible three-dimensional scaffolds for cell culturing may facilitate methods for the repair of damaged human tissues. A novel hybrid porous scaffold of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), hydroxyapatite and collagen was prepared using a supercritical CO2 saturation technique. Expansion factors of scaffolds with different compositions were studied after supercritical CO2 treatment to choose the optimal composition for three-dimensional culture. The supercritical CO2 process conditions, such as saturation temperature, saturation time and saturation pressure were varied to evaluate their influence on pore structure. The results showed that the pore size and porosity of the scaffold could be controlled by manipulating these process conditions. The porous samples were characterized by environmental scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry. Finally, MG-63 cells were successfully cultured on the porous scaffold as assessed by electron and confocal microscopy, confirming the biocompatibility of this new hybrid porous scaffold.

SEM micrographs of porous PLGA/HA/collagen scaffold prepared with the supercritical CO2 (a) and MG-63 cell-seeded PLGA/HA/collagen scaffold after culturing 14 days (b).Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A novel porous PLGA/HA/collagen scaffold with pore sizes of 100–500 μm was successfully prepared with the supercritical CO2.
► The pore size and porosity can be regulated by supercritical CO2 saturation temperature, saturation time, and saturation pressure.
► SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD of the PLGA/HA/collagen scaffold demonstrated that that HA and collagen were homogeneously distributed in the scaffold.
► MG-63 cells were successfully cultured on the porous scaffold, confirming the biocompatibility of the PLGA/HA/collagen scaffold.