Production and characterization of PCL (Polycaprolactone) coated TCP/nanoBG composite scaffolds by sponge foam method for orthopedic applications

Bio-ceramics are a set of ceramic materials that possess an important feature called biocompatibility. Bioglass is one of the most applicable ceramic materials contributing to bioactivity improvement due to the presence of Si as an ossification material. Besides, PCL polymer supported by bioglass nanoparticles was used to improve the mechanical properties. In this study, we combined Tricalciumphosphate (TCP) with nano-bioglass (NBG) with four different amounts (10%, 20%, 30%, and 0%) to produce composite scaffolds (lost sponge foam method); then, we coated these composites by Polycaprolactone (PCL) biopolymer, and eventually, evaluated its bioactivity, biodegradability, and mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EDS methods were employed to investigate the morphology and bioactivity of scaffolds. The results of the ion concentration measurement test and SEM and EDS analysis showed the formation of Apatite on the scaffold’s surface. The results from SEM indicate that the most bioactivity was observed for composite scaffold containing 20%wt of nano-bioglass presenting it as the preferable sample, in terms of mechanical properties and bioactivity.