Interaction of osteoblasts with macroporous scaffolds made of PLLA/PCL blends modified with collagen and hydroxyapatite

A study was conducted to demonstrate the interaction of osteoblasts with macroporous scaffolds made of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) blends modified with collagen and hydroxyapatite. Interaction of these bioactive scaffolds with significantly high porosity and interconnected pore structures with cells were investigated in cell culture using MG63 osteoblastic cell line. The lower molecular weight PCL in the blend was expected to degrade first and allow cell proliferation. PLLA with much higher molecular weight was used to maintain the structural integrity of the scaffold with significantly high porosity. The scaffold morphology was investigated by field-emission scanning electron microscopy and by microcomputed tomography (microCT). The microtomographic imaging system used in the study was equipped with a 5 μm focal spot X-ray tube as a source.