Poly(L-lactic acid)/hydroxyapatite nanocylinders as nanofibrous structure for bone tissue engineering scaffolds

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) is a biodegradable polyester utilized in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
• Hydroxyapatite (HAp) incorporation enhances osteoconductivity in scaffolds.
• Simvastatin is a drug with potential benefits for bone regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize PLLA/HAp composite microcylinders loaded with Simvastatin.
• To investigate the effect of HAp and Simvastatin on drug loading and release kinetics.
• To evaluate the biological response of osteoblast cells to the developed composite scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning was used to create PLLA/HAp composite fibers.
• Aminolysis treatment modified PLLA fibers to create microcylinders with tunable aspect ratios.
• Simvastatin was loaded into the PLLA/HAp microcylinders for controlled release studies.
• In vitro studies assessed osteoblast cell proliferation and function.

Main Results:

• Tunable aspect ratios of microcylinders were achieved by controlling aminolysis treatment.
• The incorporation of HAp and Simvastatin into the fibrous structure affected drug loading and release.
• PLLA/HAp composites demonstrated positive effects on osteoblast cell proliferation.
• The composite materials showed potential to stimulate osteoblast function and inhibit osteoclast activity.

Conclusions:

• Developed PLLA/HAp composite microcylinders loaded with Simvastatin offer a promising scaffold for bone tissue engineering.
• The tunable fibrous structure and drug delivery capabilities support accelerated cell proliferation and function.
• These scaffolds may enhance bone regeneration by modulating osteoblast and osteoclast activity.