An injectable poly(caprolactone trifumarate-gelatin microparticles) (PCLTF-GMPs) scaffold for irregular bone defects: Physical and mechanical characteristics

Abstract Recently, a modified form of a three-dimension (3D) porous poly(caprolactone-trifumarate) (PCLTF) scaffold has been produced using a fabrication technique that involves gelatin microparticles porogen leaching. This poly(caprolactone trifumarate-gelatin microparticles) (PCLTF-GMPs) scaffold has been shown to be biocompatible, more flowable clinically, and has a shorter degradation time as compared to its existing predecessors. In this report, a detailed characterization of this new scaffold was performed by testing its cytocompatibility, analyzing the surface topography, and understanding its thermal, physical and mechanical properties. The result showed that the PCLTF-GMPs has no critical cytotoxic effect. To confirm improvement, the surface properties were compared against the older version of PCLTF fabricated using salt porogen leaching. This PCLTF-GMPs scaffold showed no significant difference (unpaired t-test; p > 0.05) in mechanical properties before and after gelatin leaching. However, it is mechanically weaker when compared to its predecessors. It has a high biodegradability rate of 16 weeks. The pore size produced ranges from 40 to 300 μm, and the RMS roughness is 613.7 ± 236.9 nm. These characteristics are condusive for osteoblast in-growth, as observed by the extension of filopodia across the macropores. Overall, this newly produced material has good thermal, physical and mechanical properties that complements its biocompatibility and ease of use.