# Structure–Function Interplay in Piezoelectric PCL/BaTiO3 Scaffolds Fabricated by Phase Separation: Correlation of Morphology, Mechanics, and Cytocompatibility

## TL;DR

This study explores how piezoelectric scaffolds made from PCL and BaTiO3 can support bone regeneration by balancing structure, mechanical properties, and cell compatibility.

## Contribution

The study introduces a method to fabricate and evaluate piezoelectric PCL/BaTiO3 scaffolds with controlled morphology and cytocompatibility for bone tissue engineering.

## Key findings

- PCL scaffolds with 9% concentration showed the most uniform morphology and consistent mechanical and biological behavior.
- BaTiO3 incorporation enhanced stiffness and surface uniformity without compromising pore structure or cytocompatibility.
- Denser composite scaffolds supported better pre-osteoblast adhesion and spreading, indicating favorable cell proliferation.

## Abstract

Bone regeneration relies on the coordinated interplay between mechanical and biological cues. Piezoelectric composites, capable of converting mechanical strain into electrical signals, offer a promising approach to stimulate osteogenesis. This study aimed to develop and characterize polycaprolactone (PCL) and barium titanate (BaTiO3) composite scaffolds fabricated through thermally induced phase separation (TIPS), and to systematically evaluate the effects of polymer concentration and ceramic incorporation on scaffold morphology, porosity, mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility were systematically evaluated. The resulting scaffolds exhibited a highly porous, interconnected architecture, with 9% PCL formulation showing the most uniform morphology and consistent mechanical and biological behavior. Incorporation of BaTiO3 did not alter pore structure or compromise cytocompatibility but slightly enhanced stiffness and surface uniformity. SEM-based image analysis confirmed homogeneous BaTiO3 dispersion across all formulations. MTT assays and confocal microscopy demonstrated robust pre-osteoblast adhesion and spreading, particularly on denser composite scaffolds, confirming that the inclusion of BaTiO3 supports a favorable environment for cell proliferation. Overall, optimizing polymer concentration and ceramic dispersion enables fabrication of structurally coherent, cytocompatible scaffolds. The findings establish structure–property–biology relationships that serve as a baseline for future investigations into the electromechanical behavior of PCL/BaTiO3 scaffolds and their potential to promote osteogenic differentiation under physiological loading.