Biocompatible Poly(ε-caprolactone)-based Shape-memory Polyurethane Composite Scaffold with Bone-induced Activity

3D porous scaffold could provide suitable bone-like structure for cell adhesion and proliferation; however, surgical suffering from large volume implantation is a great challenge for patients. In this study, a shape programmable porous poly( ε -caprolactone) (PCL)-based polyurethane scaffold with memory effect was synthesized via gas foaming method, using Citrate modified Amorphous calcium Phosphate (CAP) as bioactive factor. The bending experiments indicated that the scaffolds achieved excellent shape-memory effect, which could be influenced by particle weight content. In vitro mineralization results suggested that the deposition of hydroxyapatite was promoted by scaffolds. Additionally, cell assay showed that composite scaffolds presented good cell toxicity and osteogenicity by the differentiation of rat Mesenchymal Stem Cells (rMSCs) into the osteogenic lineage. In the model of rat cranial implantation, the reparative tissue covered the defect site and bone-like structure deposited on the scaffold due to the formation of new bones. In summary, the porous smart shape-memory composite scaffolds could be a potential candidate in future distinctive bone repair applications.