Functionalization of polycaprolactone scaffolds for tissue engineering: molecular cues, bioactive cell–material interfaces, and translational perspectives
8 affiliations
- 1Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran [email protected] [email protected].
- 2Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran.
- 3Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran.
- 4Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran.
- 5Institute of Biomaterials, University of Tehran & Tehran University of Medical Sciences (IBUTUMS) Tehran Iran.
- 6Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran.
- 7Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran [email protected].
- 8Colorectal Research Center, Trauma and Injury Research Center, Burn Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran.
Abstract
Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) has emerged as a promising scaffold material in regenerative medicine owing to its biodegradability, mechanical strength, and processability. However, its intrinsic hydrophobicity and lack of bioactive motifs restrict cell-material interactions and clinical translation. This review synthesizes advances in PCL surface functionalization, contrasting conventional approaches, such as plasma treatment, hydrolysis/aminolysis, copolymerization, and protein adsorption, with emerging strategies, including layer-by-layer assembly, bioinspired coatings, and nanocomposite engineering. Particular attention is given to how tailored surface chemistries regulate wettability, integrin-mediated adhesion, extracellular matrix deposition, and lineage-specific differentiation. Beyond summarizing methods, this article critically examines translational challenges: balancing modification density with scaffold integrity, spatiotemporal delivery of bioactive cues, immune responses, and long-term in vivo stability. Finally, we highlight future opportunities in bio-orthogonal chemistry, 4D-printed responsive scaffolds, and AI-guided design that are poised to transform PCL from a versatile polymer into a clinically relevant platform for personalized regenerative therapies.
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BibTeX
@article{hosseini2026functionalization,
title = {{Functionalization of polycaprolactone scaffolds for tissue engineering: molecular cues, bioactive cell–material interfaces, and translational perspectives}},
author = {Seyed Mohammad Hosseini and Masoumeh Zahmatkeshan and Khadijeh Falahzadeh and Erfan Khalatbari and Fariba Esmaeili and Shiva Velayati and Abolfazl Akbarzadeh and Moein Adel},
journal = {Nanoscale advances},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.1039/d6na00015k},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13725868},
note = {CC BY-NC},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Functionalization of polycaprolactone scaffolds for tissue engineering: molecular cues, bioactive cell–material interfaces, and translational perspectives
AU - Seyed Mohammad Hosseini
AU - Masoumeh Zahmatkeshan
AU - Khadijeh Falahzadeh
AU - Erfan Khalatbari
AU - Fariba Esmaeili
AU - Shiva Velayati
AU - Abolfazl Akbarzadeh
AU - Moein Adel
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/02
JO - Nanoscale advances
DO - 10.1039/d6na00015k
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13725868
AB - Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) has emerged as a promising scaffold material in regenerative medicine owing to its biodegradability, mechanical strength, and processability. However, its intrinsic hydrophobicity and lack of bioactive motifs restrict cell-material interactions and clinical translation. This review synthesizes advances in PCL surface functionalization, contrasting conventional approaches, such as plasma treatment, hydrolysis/aminolysis, copolymerization, and protein adsorption, with emerging strategies, including layer-by-layer assembly, bioinspired coatings, and nanocomposite engineering. Particular attention is given to how tailored surface chemistries regulate wettability, integrin-mediated adhesion, extracellular matrix deposition, and lineage-specific differentiation. Beyond summarizing methods, this article critically examines translational challenges: balancing modification density with scaffold integrity, spatiotemporal delivery of bioactive cues, immune responses, and long-term in vivo stability. Finally, we highlight future opportunities in bio-orthogonal chemistry, 4D-printed responsive scaffolds, and AI-guided design that are poised to transform PCL from a versatile polymer into a clinically relevant platform for personalized regenerative therapies.
SN - 2516-0230
ER -