Osteoblast Growth and Function in PCL Matrices Reinforced with PCL-Grafted Cellulose Nanowhiskers for Bone Repair

Abstract

When the biological structure of an organ or tissue cannot be repaired, the only viable alternative for restoring the normal functions of the patient is to replace it with an implant made of a biomaterial tissue. The technique, known as Tissue Engineering, consists in the regeneration of living tissues and organs, through the recruitment of tissue from the patient on substrates known as biological or synthetic scaffolds, and the then reinsertion into the patient. The electrospinning process allows to produce scaffolds (fiber mats) that resemble the extracellular matrix (ECM) from biodegradable polymers such as PCL (Poly(-Caprolactone). By reinforcing these scaffolds with biodegradable and crystalline particles, with dimensions in the order of nanometers, such as cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW), it is possible to produce scaffolds of greater mechanical strength, expanding the application of these fiber mats in tissues which require a higher resistance, such as bone tissue. Thus, the objective of this project are to investigate the ability to maintain nanofibrílicas PCL reinforced with cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW); to support cell growth and mineralization of osteoblasts; to conduct research related to engineering and tissue regeneration; and to develop and / or to improve biomaterials that mimic the extracellular matrix and support bone remodeling. For such, it will be conducted experiments that allow the evaluation of cytotoxicity and cell growth, morphology, gene expression and mineralization of osteoblasts.