Evaluation the increasing of pore size in electrospun scaffolds using ultrasound with sonotrode

Bone defects as the orthopedic diseases, are common pathological problems in the world. Using tissue engineering, thescaffolds can be designed for the development of bone tissue and repair of these lesions. Electrospinning is currentlyused to make nanofibrous scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. The main reason is that the architecture ofelectrospun nanofibers greatly mimics the structure of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) in the body. One of themajor problems in the use of these scaffolds is their small pore size that limits the penetration of cells. In this study,increase in the pore size of poly caprolactone (PCL)/nanohydroxy apatite (nHA) electrospun scaffolds using ultrasound(with sonotrode) was examined. Process optimization using Design Expert software and CCD (central compositedesign) were used. The ultrasonic output power and time of the process as the factors contributing for increasing thepore size were studied. The pore size of the scaffolds was investigated using scanning electron microscopic images andImage J imaging software. According to the obtained results, it was found that at optimal conditions (47% power, 0.56min sonication time), ultrasound can increase the pore size of the scaffolds up to 1.87 fold, while it’s mechanicalproperties are preserved.

کلیدواژه ها:

electrospun scaffolds ، mechanical properties ، ultrasound ، pore size ، poly caprolactone (PCL)/ nanohydroxy apatite (nHA)