Electrospun biocompatible Gelatin-Chitosan/Polycaprolactone/Hydroxyapatite nanocomposite scaffold for bone tissue engineering

In recent years, nanocomposite scaffolds made of bioactive polymers have found multiple applications in bone tissue engineering. In this study composite nanofibrous structure of gelatin (Gel)/chitosan (Cs)-polycaprolactone (PCL) containing hydroxyapatite (HA) were fabricated using co-electrospinning process. To assay the biocompatibility and bioactivity of electrospun nanocomposite scaffolds, the behavior of human osteosarcoma cells (MG63) on fabricated nanofibers was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fluorescence microscopy analysis, measuring calcium deposits and MTT assay. The SEM micrographs at days 3 and 7 showed high cell attachment and spreading on the nanofibrous scaffolds. The MTT results demonstrated the proliferation of MG-63 cells during 10 days and the positive effect of nanofibers in comparison of cell culture plate. Considering the proliferation rate and calcification extent, the Gel-Cs-HA nanofibers reveal highest biocompatibility for osteoblast cells which could be attributed to the smaller diameter fibers and more mechanical strength in the Gel-Cs-HA scaffold.