Decoupling Bioactivity and Processability: RGD Click-Functionalized Coatings for a 3D-Printed PCL Scaffold.

ABSTRACT: The development of functionalized scaffolds with enhanced bioactivity remains a key challenge in bone tissue engineering (BTE). Here, we present a modular strategy to functionalize the surface of 3D-printed poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds using an RGD-functionalized PCL derivative. A three-step synthesis introduced maleimide groups along the PCL backbone, enabling covalent conjugation of a thiol-containing peptide. The resulting polymer (PCL-AE-L) was applied via dip-coating, preserving the scaffold architecture and mechanical integrity while ensuring homogeneous surface coverage. Subsequent bioconjugation with the thiol-modified RGD peptide to obtain PCL@RGD scaffolds imparts enhanced cell-adhesive properties. Each functionalization step was confirmed by NMR, FTIR, DSC, GPC, and SEM-

SUBMITTER: Salsano G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12606555 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature