Influence of lactic acid on degradation and biocompatibility of electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) fibers

Lactic acid (LA)-containing electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) fibers show improved biocompatibility and biodegradability compared to pristine PCL fibers. Simple conversion of LA into calcium lactate by Ca(OH)₂ treatment further improves bone compatibility of the composite fibers. Electrospinning of a poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/lactic acid (LA) blend was investigated to fabricate electrospun PCL fibers with improved biodegradability and biocompatibility for biomedical applications. Simple blending of PCL solution with various amounts of LA was used for electrospinning, and the physicochemical properties of the as-fabricated mat were evaluated using various techniques. Scanning electron microscopy showed that fiber diameter decreased with increasing amount of LA. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis also revealed that LA was successfully incorporated in PCL fibers. The presence of LA can accelerate the biodegradation of PCL fibers and enhance the hydrophilicity of a membrane. The adhesion, viability and proliferation properties of osteoblast cells on the PCL/LA composite fibers were analyzed using in vitro cell compatibility tests which showed that LA can increase the cell compatibility of PCL fibers. Additionally, subsequent conversion of LA into calcium lactate by neutralization with calcium base can provide Ca²⁺ ions on the fiber surface to promote the nucleation of CaPO₄ particles.