Poly(e-caprolactone) reinforced with sol-gel synthesized organic-inorganic hybrid fillers as composite substrates for tissue engineering

Purpose: The importance of polymer-based composite materials to make multifunctional substrates for tissue engineering and the strategies to improve their performances have been stressed in the literature. Bioactive features of sol-gel synthesized poly(epsilon-caprolactone)/TiO(2) or poly(epsilon-caprolactone)/ZrO(2) organic-inorganic hybrid materials are widely documented. Accordingly, the aim of this preliminary research was to develop advanced composite substrates consisting of a poly(epsilon-caprolactone) matrix reinforced with sol-gel synthesized PCL/TiO(2) or PCL/ZrO(2) hybrid fillers. Methods: Micro-computed tomography and atomic force microscopy analyses allowed to study surface topography and roughness. On the other hand, mechanical and biological performances were evaluated by small punch tests and Alamar Blue (TM) assay, respectively. Results: Micro-computed tomography and atomic force microscopy analyses highlighted the effect of the preparation technique. Results from small punch tests and Alamar Blue (TM) assay evidenced that PCL reinforced with Ti2 (PCL=12, TiO(2) = 88 wt%) and Zr2 (PCL=12, ZrO(2) = 88 wt%) hybrid fillers provided better mechanical and biological performances. Conclusions: PCL reinforced with Ti2 (PCL=12, TiO(2) = 88 wt%) and Zr2 (PCL=12, ZrO(2) = 88 wt%) hybrid fillers could be considered as advanced composite substrates for hard tissue engineering.