Activated carbon fibers/poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid composite scaffolds: Preparation and characterizations

Nanofibers and Microfibers for Osteochondral Tissue Engineering

The use of fibers into scaffolds is a way to mimic natural tissues, in which fibrils are embedded in a matrix. The use of fibers can improve the mechanical properties of the scaffolds and may act as structural support for cell growth. Also, as the morphology of fibrous scaffolds is similar to the natural extracellular matrix, cells cultured on these scaffolds tend to maintain their phenotypic shape. Different materials and techniques can be used to produce micrfibers- and nanofibers for scaffolds manufacturing; cells, in general, adhere and proliferate very well on PCL, chitosan, silk fibroin, and other nanofibers. One of the most important techniques to produce microfibers/nanofibers is electrospinning. Nanofibrous scaffolds are receiving increasing attention in bone tissue engineering, because they are able to offer a favorable microenvironment for cell attachment and growth. Different polymers can be electrospun, i.e., polyester, polyurethane, PLA, PCL, collagen, and silk. Other materials such as bioglass fibers, nanocellulose, and even carbon fiber and fabrics have been used to help increase bioactivity, mechanical properties of the scaffold, and cell proliferation. A compilation of mechanical properties and most common biological tests performed on fibrous scaffolds is included in this chapter.

HIGHLIGHTS

The use of microfibers and nanofibers allows for tailoring the scaffold properties. Electrospinning is one of the most important techniques nowadays to produce fibrous scaffolds. Microfibers and nanofibers use in scaffolds is a promising field to improve the behavior of scaffolds in osteochondral applications.

Preparation and Properties of Bamboo Fiber/Nano-hydroxyapatite/Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) Composite Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering

In this study, bamboo fiber was first designed to incorporate into nano-hydroxyapatite/poly(lactic-co-glycolic) to obtain a new composite scaffold of bamboo fiber/nano-hydroxyapatite/poly(lactic-co- glycolic) (BF/n-HA/PLGA) by freeze-drying method. The effect of their components and some factors consisting of different freeze temperatures, concentrations, and pore-forming agents on the porous morphology, porosity, and compressive properties of the scaffold were investigated by scanning electron microscope, modified liquid displacement method, and electromechanical universal testing machine. The results indicated that the 5% BF/30% n-HA/PLGA composite scaffold, prepared with 5% (w/v) high concentration and frozen at -20 °C without pore-forming agent, had the best ideal porous structure and porosity as well as compressive properties, which far exceed those of n-HA/PLGA composite scaffold. In addition, the in vitro simulated body fluids soaking and cell culture experiment showed the addition of BF into the scaffold accelerated the BF/n-HA/PLGA composite scaffolds degradation and exhibited good cytocompatibility, including attachment and proliferation. All the results of the study show that BF has improved the properties of n-HA/PLGA composite scaffolds and BF/n-HA/PLGA might have a great potential for bone tissue engineering scaffold.