Domingos, M.Intranuovo, F.Gloria, A.Gristina, R.Ambrosio, L.Bártolo, P. J.Favia, P.2026-03-252026-03-252013-04M. Domingos, F. Intranuovo, A. Gloria, R. Gristina, L. Ambrosio, P.J. Bártolo, P. Favia, Improved osteoblast cell affinity on plasma-modified 3-D extruded PCL scaffolds, Acta Biomaterialia, Volume 9, Issue 4, 2013, Pages 5997-6005, ISSN 1742-7061, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2012.12.031.1742-7061http://hdl.handle.net/10400.8/15990Cellular adhesion and proliferation inside three-dimensional synthetic scaffolds represent a major challenge in tissue engineering. Besides the surface chemistry of the polymers, it is well recognized that scaffold internal architecture, namely pore size/shape and interconnectivity, has a strong effect on the biological response of cells. This study reports for the first time how polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds with controlled micro-architecture can be effectively produced via bioextrusion and used to enhance the penetration of plasma deposited species. Low-pressure nitrogen-based coatings were employed to augment cell adhesion and proliferation without altering the mechanical properties of the structures. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy carried out on different sections of the scaffolds indicates a uniform distribution of nitrogen-containing groups throughout the entire porous structure. In vitro biological assays confirm that plasma deposition sensitively promotes the activity of Saos-2 osteoblast cells, leading to a homogeneous colonization of the PCL scaffolds.engTissue engineeringBiofabricationScaffoldsSurface modificationOsteoblast cellsjournal article10.1016/j.actbio.2012.12.031