Electrospun Polycaprolactone/Hydroxyapatite (PCL/HAp) microfibers as potential biomaterials for tissue engineering

Among several methods to fabricate microfiber based scaffolds, electrospinning is widely used due to its simplicity, low-cost and flexibility. In this study, fabrication of Polycaprolactone/Hydroxyapatite (PCL/HAp) microfibers by one-step electrospinning was investigated. HAp was synthesized via precipitation method using Ca(OH)2 and H3PO4 as the precursors. The effect of the electrospinning process parameters on morphology and diameter of PCL/HAp fibers was studied. Results indicated that precipitated HAp presented in spherical morphology and high crystallinity. The dispersion of HAp into PCL matrix was proved to produce the porous microfibers with interconnected pores. It is expected to improve mechanical performance and good bioactivity due to the incorporation of HAp. Furthermore, PCL/HAp fibrous scaffolds aim to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) structure and biological function if they were used in bone tissue regeneration.