Hybrid Chitosan/PCL Shape Memory Scaffolds with Potential for Bone Regeneration and Infection Resistance.

ABSTRACT: We have previously developed a regenerative engineering approach to repair irregularly shaped craniomaxillofacial bone defects utilizing "self-fitting" shape memory polymer (SMP) scaffolds based on cross-linked poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). However, a slow rate of degradation may hinder neotissue infiltration, and a lack of innate antimicrobial activity creates vulnerability to postoperative infection stemming from biofilm formation. Introduction of chitosan (CS), a hydrophilic natural polymer with known antimicrobial behavior, to PCL SMP scaffolds could provide a synergistic combination of desirable properties. Herein, for the first time, we report the development of hybrid (i.e., formed from a synthetic and a naturally derived polymer) CS/PCL SMP scaffolds. A series of eight highly porous

SUBMITTER: Dixon DT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12421515 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature