The Future of Carbon-Based Scaffolds in Foot and Ankle Surgery

This article explores the use of carbon materials for orthobiological applications, investigates the feasibility of fabricating hybrid fibrous carbon scaffolds modified with polycaprolactone, and analyzes their mechanical properties and ability to support cell growth and proliferation. Environmental scanning electron microscopy, micro computed tomography, and cell adhesion and cell proliferation studies were used to test scaffold suitability as a cell-delivery vehicle. Mechanical properties were tested to examine load failure and elastic modulus. Overall, fibroblast adhesion and proliferation was greatest in lower-porosity carbon scaffolds with highly aligned fibers.