Polymer-Ceramic Composite Scaffolds for Osteochondral Tissue Engineering

One popular approach in osteochondral tissue engineering for the treatment of osteochondral defects is the use of polymer-ceramic composite scaffolds. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility for osteoblasts of a new composite scaffold type, Osteochondral Plugs (Biocomposites Ltd., U.K.). These consisted of Poly-L-lactid Acid (PLLA) fibres, Polycaprolactone (PCL) and Tricalcium Phosphate (TCP) sprayed with Hydroxyapatite (HAP). Average pore size was approximately 200-250 µm. Two versions of Plugs were compared. Version 1 contained CaSO₄, whereas Version 2 was CaSO₄-free. Plugs were seeded with human osteoblasts. Cell morphology was assessed using scanning election microscopy (SEM). Cell vitality was evaluated using fluorescence microscopy after staining with fluorescin diacetate (FDA) and propidium iodide (PI). Standard tests for biocompatibility (WST, LDH, MTT) were performed. SEM investigation showed that osteoblasts adhered to the surface of both versions of Osteochondral Plugs and demonstrated good spreading. Fluorescence microscopy and standard tests for biocompatibility (WST, LDH, MTT) showed superior biocompatibility of Version 2 to Version 1. It can be concluded that the incorporation of CaSO₄ into Plugs is disadvantageous for biocompatibility in vitro. Further tests are needed to assess biocompatibility in vivo.

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