Cellulose-Derived Nanographene Oxide Surface-Functionalized Three-Dimensional Scaffolds with Drug Delivery Capability

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds are crucial for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
• Developing multifunctional scaffolds with improved mechanical properties and therapeutic capabilities remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create multifunctional 3D scaffolds by surface grafting cellulose-derived nanographene oxide (nGO) onto porous poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds.
• To evaluate the impact of nGO grafting on scaffold mechanical strength, mineralization potential, and drug delivery capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Cellulose-derived nGO was synthesized via microwave-assisted carbonization.
• nGO was covalently grafted onto aminolyzed PCL scaffolds using an aqueous solution process.
• Characterization involved Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical testing.

Main Results:

• Successful homogeneous dispersion and attachment of nGO on PCL scaffolds were confirmed.
• nGO grafting significantly increased the compressive strength of the scaffolds.
• Scaffolds demonstrated induced mineralization, forming calcium phosphate precipitates, with increased size correlating to higher nGO content.
• Optimized adsorption and 8-day release kinetics of ciprofloxacin (antibiotic) were achieved, with strongest adsorption at pH 5.

Conclusions:

• A simple fabrication process yields multifunctional 3D PCL/nGO scaffolds.
• These scaffolds offer enhanced mechanical integrity, osteoconductive potential via mineralization, and controlled antibiotic drug delivery capabilities.
• The developed scaffolds show promise for applications in bone tissue engineering and infection treatment.