Preparation of electrospun PCL-based scaffolds by mono/multi-functionalized GO

Abstract

In the present study, sythetic biodegradable polymer poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) and graphene oxide (GO) were combined together to prepare 3D, composite tissue scaffolds (PCL/GO scaffolds) by using electrospinning technique. Also, the influence of Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro (GRGDSP) and/or thiophene (Th) modified GO on the composite PCL/GO mats (PCL/GO, PCL/GO-GRGDSP, PCL/ GO-Th, PCL/GO-GRGDSP-Th) was further investigated. Characteristic examinations of the scaffolds were carried out by scanning electron microscope (SEM), contact angle (CA) measurements, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, TGA, electrical conductivity tests, phosphate buffer saline absorption and shrinkage tests and mechanical tests. All of the scaffolds were exhibited suitable bead free and uniform morphology according to SEM images. With the addition of GO, better hydrophilicity and a slight CA decrease (similar to 5 degrees) for the PCL/GO scaffolds were observed. Mechanical properties were reinforced drastically with the addition and well-dispersion of GO into PCL matrix. The incorporation of PCL and GO exhibited enhanced electrical conductivity and the highest value was found for PCL/GO-GRGDSP-Th (2%) as 15.06 mu S cm(-1). The MG-63 osteoblast cell culture studies (MTT assay, ALP activity, Alizarin-Red staining, fluorescence and SEM analyses) showed that PCL/GO-GRGDSP-Th (1%) scaffolds exhibited the highest biocompatibility performance (1.87 fold MTT absorbance value comparing with neat PCL) due to the advanced properties of GO and the biological interfaces.