Caracterización biológica de andamios elaborados con policaprolactona y quitosano mediante lixiviación de microesferas. Articulado al proyecto de investigación aprobado mediante la Resolución: UTA-CONIN-2025-0029-R

Abstract

This research focuses on the development and biological characterization of scaffolds (BS) composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) and chitosan (Q), materials widely studied for their biocompatibility and potential in bone tissue engineering. The main objective was to construct scaffolds by combining synthetic and natural biopolymers, evaluating their hemocompatible behavior and their potential for future applications in cell culture. The methodology included the production of BS using solvent molding techniques, with the use of gelatin microspheres as porogenic agents to induce porosity. Their morphology was characterized before and after leaching, revealing an interconnected porous structure, crucial for nutrient transport and cell anchoring. Physicochemical properties and biological tests were evaluated, highlighting the blood coagulation index (BCI) as a relevant parameter for determining interaction with blood components. The BCI results indicated a favorable interaction, with values within the acceptable ranges established by previous studies (e.g., Kim et al., 2007), suggesting that the ABs do not induce excessive thrombogenicity. Furthermore, hemolysis and platelet adhesion assays were performed, supporting the compatibility of the scaffolds with the hematological system. Together, these findings reveal that the PCL-Q scaffolds possess morphological and biological characteristics suitable for future applications in bone regeneration. This study lays the groundwork for further research with cell lines and in vivo studies, consolidating the potential of these biomaterials in the field of regenerative medicine.