Innovative electrospun PCL/fibroin/l-dopa scaffolds scaffolds supporting bone tissue regeneration

Poly-caprolactone is one of the most promising biocompatible polymers on the market, in particular for temporary devices that are not subjected to high physiological loads. Even if completely resorbable in various biological environments, poly-caprolactione does not play any specific biological role in supporting tissue regeneration and for this reason has a limited range of possible applications. In this preliminary work, for the first time l-dopa and fibroin have been combined with electrospun poly-caprolactone fibers in order to induce bioactive effects and, in particular, stimulate the proliferation, adhesion and osteoconduction of the polymeric fibers. Results showed that addition of low-molecular weight fibroin reduces the mechanical strength of the fibers while promoting the formation of mineralized deposits, when tested in vitro with KUSA-A1 mesenchymal cells. l-dopa, on the other hand, improved the mechanical properties and stimulated the formation of agglomerates of mineralized deposits containing calcium and phosphorous with high specific volume. The combination of the two substances resulted in good mechanical properties and higher amounts of mineralized deposits formed in vitro.

Automated summary

Poly-caprolactone is a promising biocompatible polymer for temporary devices, but lacks biological support for tissue regeneration. By combining l-dopa and fibroin with electrospun poly-caprolactone fibers, bioactive effects can be induced, promoting proliferation, adhesion, and osteoconduction. The synergistic effects of these substances lead to improved mechanical properties and increased mineralized deposits in vitro.