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Electrospun Nanofiber Scaffolds with Gradations in Fiber Organization
Published on: April 19, 2015
Osteogenic induction of hBMSCs by electrospun scaffolds with dexamethasone release functionality
Albino Martins1, Ana Rita C Duarte, Susana Faria
13B's Research Group - Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Minho; Avepark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, S. Claúdio do Barco, 4806-909 Caldas das Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal. amartins@dep.uminho.pt
Biomaterials
|May 11, 2010
Summary
Biodegradable nanofibers made from polycaprolactone (PCL) can deliver dexamethasone (DEX) for bone tissue engineering. These PCL nanofibers provide sustained drug release and promote osteogenic differentiation of stem cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Electrospun nanofibers mimic the extracellular matrix, making them suitable for tissue scaffolds.
- Their high surface area enables controlled drug release applications.
- Polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers are biocompatible and biodegradable, ideal for biomedical uses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize dexamethasone (DEX)-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers for bone tissue engineering.
- To investigate the sustained release profile of DEX from PCL nanofibers.
- To evaluate the osteogenic potential of released DEX using human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs).
Main Methods:
- Dexamethasone (DEX) was incorporated into PCL nanofibers via electrospinning at various concentrations (5-20 wt.%).
- Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the amorphous state of DEX within the nanofibers.
- In vitro drug release studies were conducted over 15 days.
- hBMSCs were cultured on DEX-loaded PCL nanofibers to assess osteogenic differentiation.
- Alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralized matrix deposition, and osteoblastic marker expression were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Electrospinning produced PCL nanofibers with typical morphology, unaffected by DEX incorporation.
- Sustained DEX release from the nanofibers was observed over a 15-day period.
- Culturing hBMSCs on 15 wt.% DEX-loaded PCL nanofibers significantly increased alkaline phosphatase levels and mineralized matrix formation.
- Osteoblastic-specific marker expression confirmed the osteogenic activity induced by the released DEX.
Conclusions:
- Electrospun biodegradable PCL nanofibers serve as effective carriers for sustained release of dexamethasone.
- These DEX-loaded nanofibers demonstrate significant potential for promoting osteogenic differentiation in bone tissue engineering applications.
- The study validates the use of these nanofibrous scaffolds for delivering therapeutic factors in regenerative medicine strategies.
