N2/H2o Plasma Assisted Functionalization of Poly(ε-caprolactone) Porous Scaffolds: Acidic/Basic Character versus Cell Behavior

A primary research focus in tissue engineering addresses the factors that drive cell growth in scaffolds. Due to the inherent complexity of phenomena at the cell/biomaterial interface in cell‐culture media, it is not easy to unambiguously disentangle the effects of different surface properties (e.g., chemical composition, roughness, porosity, etc.) in promoting specific cell behaviors, especially on porous scaffold materials. We have investigated fast low‐pressure plasma treatments of porous PCL scaffolds for tissue engineering with neutral, acidic, and basic groups to obtain stable water absorbent materials. An increase of Saos2 cell growth was observed on plasma‐treated scaffolds with respect to native samples; amphoteric surfaces were found very suitable for cell proliferation. Plasma processing with N2 and/or H2O vapor on tissue engineering PCL scaffolds improve their wettability and water absorption rate even after one week of storage in air. Biological tests showed that Saos‐2 osteoblasts exhibit enhanced cell growth on all plasma treated scaffolds particularly when a high water absorption rate is combined with an amphoteric character of scaffolds.