Document Type : Review Article
Authors
1
Biotechnology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
2
2Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Department, School of Advanced Medical Technologies, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
3
Regenerative Medicine, Organ Procurement and Transplantation Multi-Disciplinary Centre, School of Medicine, Razi Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
4
Mehr Fertility Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
5
Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
6
Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
7
Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
8
Cellular and Molecular Research Center، Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
9
1. Stem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. 2. Biotechnology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University
Abstract
Polycaprolactone is a synthetic aliphatic polyester that has gained extensive attention in tissue engineering because of its excellent biodegradability, biocompatibility, and processability. Its mechanical strength, flexibility, and slow degradation rate make it a suitable candidate for constructing scaffolds with controllable porosity and architecture. This review highlights recent advancements in polycaprolactone-based nanofiber scaffolds and their composites for regenerating various tissues, including bone, cartilage and ligament, liver, cardiovascular, nerve, corneal, and skin. In bone and cartilage engineering, electrospun polycaprolactone fibers blended with ceramics or natural polymers such as collagen, chitosan, gelatin, or hydroxyapatite have enhanced osteoconductivity, chondrogenic differentiation, and mechanical stability. In hepatic and cardiac applications, polycaprolactone composites integrated with conductive polymers, extracellular matrix components, or nanoparticles have improved bioactivity, angiogenesis, and electrical conductivity. Furthermore, in neural and corneal tissue regeneration, aligned and surface-modified polycaprolactone nanofibers have promoted cell attachment, neurite extension, and corneal transparency. In skin tissue engineering, hybrid scaffolds incorporating bioactive agents such as aloe vera or curcumin demonstrated accelerated wound healing, fibroblast proliferation, and reduced inflammation. Despite the progress achieved, challenges remain regarding limited hydrophilicity, slow degradation rate, and the need for optimized cell–biomaterial interactions. Future research should focus on combining polycaprolactone with natural biopolymers and nanoscale modifications to develop biointeractive scaffolds with enhanced regenerative capacity. Overall, polycaprolactone and its composites represent a versatile and promising platform for the next generation of biomimetic scaffolds in regenerative medicine and tissue repair.
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