Investigation of the process of recrystallization calcium carbonate microparticles grown on polycaprolactone nanofibers using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction

Abstract

Background and Objectives: A method for the mineralization of polycaprolactone nanofibers with microparticles of calcium carbonate (vaterite) is presented. The proposed composite material can be used as a tissue engineering scaffold and a drug delivery vehicle for regenerative medicine. Materials and Methods: The process of recrystallization of vaterite microparticles formed on polycaprolactone fibers into calcite is studied using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Results: The dependences of the mass and quantitative fractions of vaterite/calcite microparticles depending on the duration of the experiment have been compared. Conclusion: The total recrystallization time for vaterite microparticles with an average diameter of 1.2 ± 0.4 microns is 24 hours, and the effective time of their use as a container for targeted drug delivery is limited to 18 hours.

Keywords

• calcium carbonate microparticles
• polycaprolactone nanofibers
• regenerative medicine
• scanning electron microscopy
• x-ray diffraction