Bioactive Cellulose Nanocrystal-Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Nanocomposites for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications.

ABSTRACT: 3D-printed bone scaffolds hold great promise for the individualized treatment of critical-size bone defects. Among the resorbable polymers available for use as 3D-printable scaffold materials, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) has many benefits. However, its relatively low stiffness and lack of bioactivity limit its use in load-bearing bone scaffolds. This study tests the hypothesis that surface-oxidized cellulose nanocrystals (SO-CNCs), decorated with carboxyl groups, can act as multi-functional scaffold additives that (1) improve the mechanical properties of PCL and (2) induce biomineral formation upon PCL resorption. To this end, an in vitro biomineralization study was performed to assess the ability of SO-CNCs to induce the formation of calcium phosphate minerals. In addition, PCL nano

SUBMITTER: Hong JK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7947866 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature