Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposites Based on Poly(ϵ-Caprolactone)/Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane: Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluations

Abstract

Hybrid poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) containing nanocomposites and non-hybrid linear PCL diols were synthesized by anionic ring opening polymerization of ϵ-caprolactone on a POSS or ethylene glycol central blocks, respectively. Monolith scaffolds were then fabricated from the hybrid nanocomposites and non-hybrid linear PCL diols via non-solvent induced phase separation technique. The effects of inclusion of POSS nanocage in the polymer chain structure on specific surface area and pore size of the scaffolds was investigated by multipoint BET method. This perfect scrutiny will introduce an excellent nanoparticle pendent to the PCL chains to promote the in vitro properties of the implants potentially applicable in tissue engineering.

Keywords:

• Biocompatibility
• monolith scaffolds
• nanocomposite
• polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane
• poss
• structure-property relationship

Notes

^a Obtained from the first heating cycle.

^b Obtained from the second heating cycle.

^c Physical blend of LPCL2 and POSS diol (5.52% w/w).

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