Fig. 5

Characterization of MEW printed ZIF-8/PCL scaffold after biomimetic mineralization. a) Sketch map showing PCL and ZIF-8/PCL scaffold preparation through MEW printing. b) SEM images displayed thick crystal deposition lays onto MEW printed ZIF-8/PCL scaffold surface following SBF incubation, but no similar phenomenon was seen onto MEW printed PCL surface. c) Based on elemental mapping analysis, crystal deposition included Ca, Zn and P elements. d) 3D micro-CT reconstruction images revealed distinct bone-like apatite crystal depositions as time went by. e) Quantification on apatite volume/total volume ratio acquired based on stereograms. f) Ca quantification for diverse groups on the 28th day verified that Ca existed within the deposits onto MEW printed ZIF-8/PCL scaffold surface. g) LSCM images of ZIF-8/PCL and MEW printed PCL surfaces showed changes in surface roughness prior to and following mineralization at the micro-scale. *** p < 0.001 (n = 4)