Silicate coating of electrospun polycaprolactone/chitosan nanofibrous scaffolds for tissue engineering

Current strategies for bone reconstruction are quite limited, falling short in effectively fostering tissue regeneration. Within tissue engineering, a primary objective has been the creation of scaffolds – porous, bioactive, and biocompatible three-dimensional (3-D) structures mimicking the extracellular matrix. This article focuses on crafting and characterizing scaffolds capable of replicating the bone’s extracellular matrix through a silicate coating. The goal is to bolster mechanical strength and encourage cell osteogenesis and osteoconduction. Using polycaprolactone/chitosan blends, nanofibrous membranes were electrospun and transformed into 3-D structures through ‘Thermally-Induced Self-Agglomeration’. Specifically, scaffolds with 10% chitosan content were created and compared with pure polycaprolactone (PCL) variants. Infrared spectroscopy and thermal assessment confirmed the compatibility of PCL and chitosan, emphasizing the scaffolds’ resilience to high temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy images showcased an interconnected network of nano- and micropores with porosity exceeding 99%, mimicking trabecular bone. Wettability and swelling studies revealed a substantial water intake capacity with a significant increase in hydrophilicity after coating with silicon dioxide. These comprehensive studies suggest that the scaffolds indeed fulfill the necessary requirements for their application in tissue engineering.