Bioactive glass/hydroxyapatite- containing electrospun poly (ε-Caprolactone) composite nanofibers for bone tissue engineering

In this study, bioactive glass and hydroxyapatite (HA)-containing poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanocomposite fiber mats were fabricated through electrospinning. For this purpose, microscale bioactive glass (silicate-based 45S5 and borate-based 13-93B3 compositions) or HA particles (at 10 wt%) were incorporated into the PCL matrix. The fabricated biocomposite fibers were investigated in terms of morphological and chemical properties. An in vitro mineralization assay in simulated body fluid was performed to understand the capability of the composite electrospun fibers to induce the formation of hydroxycarbonate apatite. Results showed that the diameter of the electrospun PCL-based fibrous scaffolds increased by the inclusion of bioactive glass or HA particles. All of the fibrous mats prepared in the study showed hydrophobic character. Relatively high contact angles (> 90°) obtained for fibrous scaffolds was attributed to the high porosity and surface roughness. Bioactive glass or HA addition to the PCL matrix enhanced the bioactivity of the fibrous scaffolds. The deposition rate of calcium phosphate-based material precipitates was higher on the surface of HA-containing samples compared to bioactive glass-containing PCL scaffolds. Additionally, mineralization ability of borate-based 13-93B3 glass-containing samples was higher compared to 45S5 glass-containing PCL fibers. The biocomposite fibrous scaffolds prepared in the study may find applications in wound healing as wound dressing and in bone tissue engineering.