Novel chitosan-sulfonated chitosan-polycaprolactone-calcium phosphate nanocomposite scaffold.

New bioactive nanocomposite scaffolds from chitosan, sulfonated chitosan, and poly(ε-caprolactone) nanofibers were prepared. In this study, sulfonated chitosan was prepared using chlorosulfonic acid and combined with chitosan in order to improve the bioactivity of chitosan-based scaffolds. Meanwhile, different amounts of chopped-hydrophilic PCL nanofibers were incorporated into the fabricated scaffold in order to mimic extracellular matrix-like structure. In the end, apatite formed on/in the composite scaffolds through alternate dipping in calcium and phosphate rich solutions. The morphology, apatite forming ability, and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were evaluated. The results indicated that larger pore sizes, higher porosity and apatite deposition are obtained as a result of adding more PCL nanofibers. Contrary to the effects of increased pore size, addition of PCL nanofibers enhanced the mechanical properties. Cell culture experiments with osteoblast-like cells on the scaffolds demonstrated that incorporation of PCL nanofibers into the fabricated scaffolds improves cell viability and attachment.