Baghdadite/Polycaprolactone nanocomposite scaffolds: preparation, characterisation, and in vitro biological responses of human osteoblast-like cells (Saos-2 cell line)

In the present research, porous composite scaffolds consisting of baghdadite scaffolds with polycaprolactone (PCL) coating, were fabricated via combining polyurethane sponge replication method and dip-coating processes and characterised by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and porosity and compressive strength measurements. MTT assay and cell attachment were carried out via human osteoblast-like cell culture on the scaffolds. Results showed that the scaffolds possessed porous structures with porosity about 70-83%, and compressive strengths 0.18-1.31 MPa. Polycaprolactone can affect a significant role in improving the mechanical properties of baghdadite scaffold. It could enhance the compressive strength of baghdadite scaffold from 0.18 to 0.41 MPa while its porous structure is maintained. The evaluation of cell viability and attachment, verified no cytotoxicity, and good attachment and proliferation of cells on the scaffolds. To summarise, baghdadite-PCL composite scaffold with a porous structure, great mechanical properties and excellent biological responses is a promising candidate for bone tissue engineering.