POLY(ɛ-CAPROLACTONE) MEMBRANES COATED WITH POLY(4-STYRENESULFONIC ACID-CO-MALEIC ACID)-SODIUM SALT ENHANCE OSTEOGENIC PROPERTIES OF PRE-OSTEOBLASTS MC3T3-E1

Abstract

Objectives. Poly (ε-caprolactone) or PCL has been used as the FDA-approved scaffolding material. Despite the biocompatible and biodegradable properties, its low bioactive properties and hydrophobicity restrict the application in bone tissue engineering. This study was conducted in order to improve PCL properties, in terms of supporting osteoblasts function.
Methods. Poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid-co-maleic acid)-sodium salt (PSS-co-MA) was coated on PCL membrane using layer-by-layer technique to fabricate polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films (PCL_PSS-co-MA). The viability and osteogenic functions of pre-osteoblast cell (MC3T3-E1) seeded on material were evaluated, compared to untreated PCL membrane.
Results. MTS assay showed that this PCL_PSS-co-MA films could enhance cell proliferation. RT-PCR results revealed the upregulation of osteogenic markers including Runx-2, OPN and DMP-1 in MC3T3-E1 seeded on PCL_PSS-co-MA films. Alizarin red S staining also showed that MC3T3-E1 cultured on PCL_PSS-co-MA films could generate higher amount of calcium deposition, compared with those on PCL membranes.
Conclusion. The surface modification of PCL membranes by coating with PSS-co-MA PEM films could promote osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in vitro. These findings indicated the potential use of PCL_PSS-co-MA membranes as scaffolding material in guided bone regeneration.