| This study is primarily concerned with the development of bioresorbable hydroxyapatite-polycaprolactone composite scaffolds with different porosities and different pore sizes manufactured by compression molding and leaching; with either salt or sugar. The aim of this research is to develop a reproducible technique for scaffold manufacture that enhances cell infiltration more deeply into the scaffolds than currently reported. This study also reports the characterization of the scaffolds with respect to topography, mechanical properties, aging in-vitro and cell (endothelial) infiltration. It was established that the topography directly reflected the particle size of the leached material. The SEM also revealed a uniform distribution of the pores and the hydroxyapatite. The secant compression moduli increased as the pore size decreased and as the hydroxyapatite content increased, 5 weeks aging showed up to 10% weight loss. Cell studies were carried out on scaffolds which were not treated with a surfactant as well as on scaffolds which were surfactant treated. SEM views of the cell studies revealed a penetration of 3–4 mm but more number of cells concentrated on the surface. |
