Processing/Structure/Property Relationship of Multi-Scaled PCL and PCL-HA Composite Scaffolds Prepared via Gas Foaming and NaCl Reverse Templating

In this study, we investigated the processing/structure/property relationship of multi-scaled porous biodegradable scaffolds prepared by combining the gas foaming and NaCl reverse templating techniques. Poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL), hydroxyapatite (HA) nano-particles and NaCl micro-particles were melt-mixed by selecting different compositions and subsequently gas foamed by a pressure-quench method. The NaCl micro-particles were finally removed from the foamed systems in order to allow for the achievement of the multi-scaled scaffold pore structure. The control of the micro-structural properties of the scaffolds was obtained by the optimal combination of the NaCl templating concentration and the composition of the CO2-N-2 mixture as the blowing agent. In particular, these parameters were accurately selected to allow for the fabrication of PCL and PCL-HA composite scaffolds with multi-scaled open pore structures. Finally, the biocompatibility of the scaffolds has been assessed by cultivating pre-osteoblast MG63 cells in vitro, thus demonstrating their potential applications for bone regeneration. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 963-976. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.