PLLA scaffolds with biomimetic apatite coating and biomimetic apatite/collagen composite coating to enhance osteoblast-like cells attachment and activity

Novel scaffolds composed of poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) skeleton covered with bonelike apatite or apatite/collagen composite were produced via a combined phase-separation technique and an accelerated biomimetic coating process. Saos-2 osteoblast-like cells were used to evaluate the cellular behaviors on these biomimetic coatings. Cell morphologies on the surfaces of PLLA scaffolds, PLLA scaffolds with apatite coating, and PLLA scaffolds with apatite/collagen composite coating were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cell viability was assessed by the MTT assay. Differentiated osteoblastic function was monitored by measuring alkaline phosphatase activity. These results suggested that the apatite coating and apatite/collagen composite coating generated through the accelerated biomimetic processes could improve the interactions between osteoblasts and the polymeric scaffolds. The apatite/collagen composite coating was more effective than apatite coating in improving such interactions. The PLLA scaffold with apatite/collagen composite coating is promising as a candidate 3D substrate for bone tissue engineering.