Evaluation of Human Osteoblasts on NIPS Micro-Patterned PCL Carriers Containing Nanohydroxyapatite and Reduced Graphene Oxide Using PSµM

Abstract

The content and surface topology of tissue engineering scaffolds are two important parameters in regulating the cell behavior. In this study, a phase separation micromolding (PSµM) method was implemented to develop micro-groove-imprinted poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)–nano hydroxyapatite (nHAp)–reduced graphene oxide (rGO) ternary blend constructs. Physical and chemical characterizations of cell-devoid constructs were performed by FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, porosity, swelling, wettability analysis, tensile and compression mechanical tests. The in vitro biological performance of human osteoblasts cultured on micro-patterned blend constructs was evaluated by MTT and alamarBlue viability assays. The findings revealed that nHAp and rGO significantly promote cell viability and proliferation, while the micro-pattern determines the direction of cell migration. Alkaline phosphatase and Ca2+ analyses were carried out to determine the osteogenic properties of cell-laden constructs. This study describes a simple method to generate topologically modified ternary blend PCL/nHAp/rGO constructs using the PSµM method, which contributes to cell proliferation and migration, which is particularly important in regenerative medicine.