In this research, we describe the properties of three-component composite foam scaffolds based on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) as a matrix and hydroxyapatite whiskers (HAP) and L-Lysine as fillers (PCL/HAP/Lys with wt% ratio 50/48/2). The scaffolds were prepared using a thermally induced phase separation technique supported by salt leaching (TIPS-SL). All materials were precisely characterized: porosity, density, water uptake, wettability, DSC, and TGA measurements and compression tests were carried out. The microstructure of the obtained scaffolds was analyzed via SEM. It was found that the PCL/HAP/Lys scaffold has a 45% higher Young’s modulus and better wettability compared to the PCL/HAP system. At the same time, the porosity of the system was ~90%. The osteoblast hFOB 1.19 cell response was also investigated in osteogenic conditions (39 °C) and the cytokine release profile of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was determined. Modification of PCL scaffolds with HAP and L-Lysine significantly improved the proliferation of pre-osteoblasts cultured on such materials.

One of the key challenges in tissue engineering area is the creation of biocompatible scaffolds that support cell growth and mimic the structural and mechanical properties of native tissues. Among various materials used for scaffold fabrication, composite materials based on biodegradable polymers reinforced with bioactive inorganic fillers have attracted significant attention due to their properties. One of the important problems with the preparation of composite electrospun fibers is the low filler content in the fiber. This study aims to select the best composition for electrospun polymer fibers in terms of potential application in tissue engineering. The effect of the viscosity of polymer solution/dispersion and filler content on the structure and properties of the fibers was determined. Morphology and filler content were compared. Series of electrospun composite fibers were fabricated from poly(ĺ-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and hydroxyapatite (HAP), containing from 10 wt% to 40 wt% HAP. The properties of the resulting composites were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and viscosimetry measurements. The addition of HAP to the polymer solution caused a significant increase in viscosity, but the results showed that it is possible to obtain composite electrospun fibers even with 40 wt% filler content. Scanning electron microscopy analysis shows randomly oriented electrospun fibers with an average diameter in the range of 3.8-8.5 ěm for solution and dispersion with high viscosity (1,210-2,000 mPa·s) and significantly larger diameters (approx. 12 ěm) for the PCL solution (326 mPa·s). It is possible to transform the composite dispersion from biopolymers and HAP into nonwoven fabrics at up to 40 wt% filler content. Due to their unique properties, such materials are promising for application in tissue engineering.

Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) is a biodegradable elastomer with high potential for tissue engineering. However, its limited structural stability and degradation control restrict broader biomedical applications. This study presents an integrated fabrication strategy for highly porous PGS-IPDI scaffolds reinforced with two types of hydroxyapatite of distinct origin (HAP_B and HAP_ICMB). By combining low-temperature urethane crosslinking with thermally induced phase separation and salt leaching, we obtained scaffolds with interconnected micro–macroporous architectures and exceptionally high porosity (up to 98%). The comparative incorporation of phase-pure nanometric HAP_B and biphasic HAP_ICMB enabled the identification of composition-dependent differences in water uptake, structural stability, and mineralization tendencies. Furthermore, degradation behavior was systematically evaluated in four physiologically relevant media (PBS, SBF, artificial saliva, Ringer’s solution), revealing distinct degradation pathways associated with each environment. The results provide new insight into how hydroxyapatite type and incubation medium collectively govern the long-term performance of chemically crosslinked PGS-based scaffolds.