Electrospun 3D composite scaffolds for craniofacial critical size defects

Critical size defects in the craniofacial region can be effectively treated using three dimensional (3D) composite structures mimicking natural extra cellular matrix (ECM) and incorporated with bioactive ceramics. In this study we have shown that the dynamic liquid bath collector can be used to form electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL)hydroxyapatite (HA) composite structure as unique 3D scaffold. The structure was found to have three distinct sections (base, stem and head) based on the mechanism of its formation and morphology. The size of the head portion was around 15 mm and was found to vary with the process parameters. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the base had random fibres while the fibres in stem and head sections were aligned but perpendicular to each other. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis also showed an increase in the crystallinity index of the fibres from base to head section. Cytotoxicity and cytocompatibility studies using human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells showed good cell adhesion and proliferation indicating the suitability of the 3D structure for craniofacial graft applications.