Development of\nFunctionalized Poly(ε-caprolactone)/Hydroxyapatite\nScaffolds via Electrospinning 3D for Enhanced Bone Regeneration

Functionalized scaffolds\nbased on biodegradable polymers\nare materials\nused in bone tissue engineering. This study presents the development\nof functionalized fibrous scaffolds, fabricated from poly(ε-caprolactone)\n(PCL) and hydroxyapatite (HA). To produce this material, a short-distance\nelectrospinning (ES) system was developed by adapting a 3D printer.\nThe morphology and chemical properties of the scaffolds were evaluated\nusing scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform\ninfrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results\nconfirmed the porous structure and the presence of hydroxyapatite\nthroughout the entire scaffold area. Mechanical tests indicated good\nelasticity and tensile strength of the scaffolds, favorable for bone\nregeneration. In vitro tests showed high levels of cell viability.\nFurthermore, in vivo experiments using a calvarial defect model in\nrats demonstrated that the PCL/HA scaffold promoted enhanced bone\nregeneration. Therefore, the PCL/HA scaffold developed through the\nadapted electrospinning system shows promise for bone repair.