Osteoblast growth and function in porous poly epsilon -caprolactone matrices for bone repair: a preliminary study

Biomaterials. 2003 Sep;24(21):3815-24. doi: 10.1016/s0142-9612(03)00263-1.

Abstract

Current methods for the replacement of skeletal tissue involve the use of autografts, allografts and, recently, synthetic substitutes, which provide a proper amount of material to repair large bone defects. Engineered bone seems a promising approach, but a number of variables have to be set prior to any clinical application. In this study, four different poly caprolactone-based polymers (PCL) were prepared and tested in vitro using osteoblast-like Saos-2 cells. Differences among three-dimensional polymers include porosity, addition of hydroxyapatite (HA) particles, and treatment with simulated body fluid. Biochemical parameters to assess cell/material interactions include viability, growth, alkaline phosphatase release, and mineralization of osteoblastic cells seeded onto three-dimensional samples, while their morphology was observed using light microscopy and SEM. Preliminary results show that the polymers, though degrading in the medium, have a positive interaction with cells, as they support cell growth and functions. In the short-term culture (3-7 days) of Saos-2 on polymers, little differences were found among PCL samples, with the presence of HA moderately improving the number of cells onto the surfaces. In the long term (3-4 weeks), it was found that the HA-added polymers obtained the best colonization by cells, and more mineral formation was observed after coating with SBF. It can be concluded that PCL is a promising material for three-dimensional scaffold for bone formation, and the presence of bone-like components improves osteoblast activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Bone Regeneration
  • Bone Substitutes
  • Caproates / chemistry
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Survival
  • Durapatite / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Lactones / chemistry
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Osteoblasts / chemistry*
  • Osteoblasts / physiology
  • Osteogenesis*
  • Polyesters / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Time Factors
  • Wound Healing

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Bone Substitutes
  • Caproates
  • Lactones
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers
  • polycaprolactone
  • caprolactone
  • Durapatite