Mineralization and degradation of poly(ε -caprolactone) / hydroxyapatite electrospun membranes

The aim of this work was to study mineralization and degradation behavior of poly(ε-caprolactone) membranes modified with hydroxyapatite. The membranes have been obtained by electrospinning method. In vitro mineralization and degradation processes were carried out in simulated body fluid (SBF) as the release medium. The weight loss of the samples, water uptakes, pH and calcium, potassium, sodium ions concentrations of the solutions were determined. The chemistry and microstructure of the membranes after different times of incubation in SBF were characterized using SEM, FTIR, and XRD methods. The results of in vitro study in SBF indicate that incorporation of n-HAp strongly activates precipitation of the apatite like materials on the surface of nanofibers.