Three-dimensional plotted PCL/β-TCP scaffolds coated with a collagen layer: Preparation, physical properties and in vitro evaluation for bone tissue regeneration

Poly(ε-caprolactone)(PCL)/β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) composite scaffolds, which can be fabricated using a rapid-prototyping process, have been used for bone tissue regeneration. However, one of the main defects of the three-dimensional (3D) PCL/β-TCP scaffold is the highly hydrophobic surface of the micro-sized PCL/β-TCP strands, which can cause poor initial cell attachment and proliferation. To overcome this problem, we propose a new and simple coating process supplemented with collagen solution. Three-dimensionally plotted PCL/β-TCP scaffolds simply coated with various concentrations (0.5, 2, 4 wt%) of collagen solution were studied in terms of water contact angle, water-absorption ability, mechanical properties and in vitro culturing of MG63 cells. Scanning electron microscope images demonstrated that the scaffolds were well coated with collagen solution, and the designed pore size (300 m) and complete pore-interconnectivity of the scaffolds were well sustained. The scaffolds coated with collagen showed very good hydrophilic properties (0° at 3 min) with improved cell attachment and cell-viability, without any loss of mechanical property relative to the PCL/β-TCP scaffold.