Processing and evaluation of the structure-properties of electrospun PCL/ zirconium nanoparticle scaffolds

Electrospun fibers with large surface area are of particular importance in the tissue engineering field as their highly porous structure favours cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration. Herein, we report a facile approach for the development of polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds incorporated with zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles. Zirconium dioxide nanoparticles were incorporated into the fibers at five different concentrations (0.5, 1, 3, 5 and 7 wt%), based on the amount of polymer. The morphology of the scaffolds was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy which showed interconnected pore structure. The incorporation of nanoparticles was confirmed from EDX studies. The functional groups were analysed using FTIR and crystallinity was analysed by XRD. Mechanical studies demonstrated that the scaffolds containing 1 wt% Zirconium dioxide nanoparticles exhibited the highest tensile strength. The scaffolds showed antibacterial activity against Gram positive bacterium Staphylococcus lugdunensis and were not active against Gram-negative bacterium Proteus vulgaris, at all time-points. ZrO2 loaded PCL scaffolds with good mechanical and biological properties will open avenues for the potential applications of the electrospun membranes for tissue engineering.