Porous scaffolds based on biogenic poly (ε-caprolactone)/hydroxyapatite composites: in vivo study

S M Naga, E M Mahmoud, H F El-Maghraby, Abeer M El-Kady, M S Arbid, A Killinger and R Gadow

Abstract

Each year million tons of fish bones and shellfish are caught, which were causing a serious environmental problem. Although these wastes contain valuable minerals, their use is not widespread. The main objective of the present study is the evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo behaviour of the extracted poly (ε-caprolactone)/nano-hydroxyapatite composites porous scaffolds. PCL/HA composites were prepared by an impregnation method, and the optimized composites were implanted in adult male albino (Sprague-Dawley strain) rats. The studied composites were evaluated as bone substitutes or fillers, and their degradation products were studied via biological and surgical examination. In vivo tests and biochemical studies were conducted to observe the changes found in blood. Biological studies showed that the decay of the PCL/HA scaffolds had no effect on the liver and kidney functions. They did not lead to carcinogenic or, oxidative effects and there was no oxygen radical's liberation that could damage the tissues. It also showed no inflammatory effect