Investigating the impact of coagulation bath temperature on the properties of biphasic calcium phosphate/poly(vinylidene fluoride)-based membrane scaffold via immersion precipitation

Abstract

In this study, composite membrane scaffolds comprising poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and boron-containing biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) are developed using a non-solvent-induced phase separation technique at coagulation bath temperatures of -5, 0, 10, and 20 degrees C. The morphology, pore size and tensile strength of the scaffolds are primarily influenced by the bath temperature. Moreover, raising the bath temperature enhances the thermal properties and beta-crystalline phase fraction. Results demonstrate that changes in the temperature increase the surface hydrophilicity and reduce the degree of swelling. According to the in vitro bioactivity analysis, apatite growth is affected by the interactive relation between the surface of the samples and the simulated body fluid (SBF) medium, in addition to the superior bioactivity of the scaffolds. In vitro cytotoxicity assay results confirm the extensive spreading of L-929 cells on the sample surfaces, indicating the high biocompatibility of the scaffolds. Based on these favorable properties, the novel composite membranes produced, particularly at 20 degrees C coagulation bath temperature, may contribute to applications in bone tissue engineering. Fabrication of the BCP/PVDF-based membrane scaffold via immersion precipitation. image