Development and characterization of electrospun Mg-doped fluorapatite nanoparticles – PCL nanocomposite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize the novel poly (ε-caprolactone) / Mg-doped fluorapatite nanoparticles (PCL / nMg-FA) composite scaffolds by electrospinning method. The optimized composite was achieved by changing of electrospinning parameters such as solvent, polymer concentration, applied voltage, nozzle to collector distance and content of ceramic. It was shown that the diameter size of fibers decreased by adjusting the viscosity and conductivity solution. Optimal samples were studied with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). According to TEM and the X-ray maps of the scaffolds, Mg-FA particles were homogeneously dispersed into the nanofibers without any agglomeration. It is noteworthy that was not any surfactant in this study. Also results of XRD show no chemical reactions between polymeric solution components. Mechanical properties of the scaffolds were also evaluated. Results showed that tensional strength of scaffolds and also thermal stability increased by increasing the weight ratio of nanoparticles up to 5 wt. %.