Tissue Engineering Nanoclay Composite Scaffolds Composed of Poly-Glycerol Sebacate and Poly-Caprolactone

Tissue engineered scaffolds play an important role in the repair or regeneration of tissues and organs. Scaffolds provide strength, stability and support for cell and tissue development and growth. Common scaffold materials are natural and synthetic polymers. However, in recent years, an intense research effort has been directed towards developing new scaffold polymers and composite materials. Research on composite scaffolds is focused on identifying composites with enhanced mechanical properties, sustained drug-releasing capabilities, and the ability to support tissue development and growth. We produced and characterized a novel nanocomposite polymer scaffold composed of poly-glycerol sebacate (PGS), polycaprolactone (PCL) and halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs). PGS, a biodegradable elastomer well known for its desirable mechanical properties and PCL, a hydrophobic aliphatic polyester with exceptional biodegradable and biocompatible properties were used in combination with HNTs, aluminosilicate clay nanotubes to form nanocomposite polymer scaffolds. The HNTs can be loaded with drugs of interest and can be used for regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and controlled drug release. The nanocomposite polymer scaffold thin films were prepared by the solvent casting method. We characterized the morphological, structural, thermal and physical properties of these novel nanocomposite polymer (PGS-PCL-HNT) scaffolds. Analysis of these scaffold characteristics showed enhanced structural and physical properties with the ability to provide sustained drug loading.