Nano-fluorcanasite-fluorapatite Reinforced Poly--caprolactone Based Biomimetic Scaffold: A Synergistic Approach Towards Generation of Conducive Environment for Cell Survival

This paper reports the development of bioactive fluorcanasite-fluorapatite nanoparticle (nFC- FAp) reinforced poly-(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) bio-nanocomposite bone scaffolds using a biomimetic approach. The filler-matrix combination was selected in particular, to facilitate biomineralization, tunable degradation and augmented cellular response. A novel hybrid technique was adopted to generate hierarchical porosity within the bone scaffolds to match the porous architecture of natural bone. The in-house synthesized nanostructured FC-FAp demonstrated presence of fluorcanasite and fluorapatite biominerals, conducive phases for bone formation. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy analysis of PCL/nFC-FAp scaffolds indicated interfacial compatibility between PCL matrix and nFC-FAp reinforcement. Microstructural analysis of scaffolds through field emission-scanning electron microscopy confirmed generation of interconnected hierarchical gradient porosity, while, synchrotron-based X-ray micro-computed tomography study revealed three-dimensional architectural details of the scaffolds, with anticipated favorable cellular environment for bone cell activities. Investigations of density and overall porosity of the scaffolds revealed that although, apparent densities increased with increasing loading of nFC-FAp, the variation in relative density and overall porosity values were minimal, establishing the efficacy of hybrid biofabrication approach. Water contact angle results indicated enhanced hydrophilic nature (surface wettability) of the bio-nanocomposite bone scaffolds, a conducive environment for enhanced cellular response. In-vitro biodegradation studies indicated tunable degradation and permissible pH stability of scaffolds with incorporation of nFC-FAp reinforcement. In- vitro biocompatibility studies based on MTT assay and fluorescence microscopy further established enhanced cell survival, viability, and proliferation with osteosarcoma bone cells. Overall, this study highlights a promising bioinspired strategy to develop composite bone scaffolds towards expedited repair of bone damages.