Hybrid Resorbable 3D-Printed Mesh/Electrospun Nanofibrous Drug/Biomolecule-Eluting Mats for Alveolar Ridge...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Alveolar ridge preservation is crucial after tooth extraction to maintain bone volume.
• Current methods have limitations in promoting optimal healing and preventing bone loss.
• Developing advanced biomaterials can enhance regenerative outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate hybrid resorbable three-dimensional (3D)-printed mesh/electrospun nanofibrous biomolecule-eluting mats.
• To evaluate the drug release kinetics and in vivo efficacy of these mats for alveolar ridge preservation.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of polycaprolactone (PCL) meshes using solution-extrusion 3D printing.
• Preparation of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofibrous membranes with embedded ibuprofen and epidermal growth factor (EGF) via electrospinning and coaxial electrospinning.
• In vitro and in vivo characterization of drug release (HPLC, ELISA).
• Assessment of alveolar ridge preservation in an animal model with histological analysis.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated hybrid resorbable 3D-printed mesh/electrospun nanofibrous mats.
• Demonstrated continuous release of ibuprofen and EGF for over four weeks.
• In vivo studies showed significantly improved mobility in animals with the hybrid mats.
• Histological analysis confirmed no adverse effects from the drug-eluting mats.

Conclusions:

• The developed hybrid mats are effective for alveolar ridge preservation.
• The combination of 3D printing and electrospinning offers a promising approach for creating advanced biomaterials.
• These resorbable, drug-eluting nanofibrous mats represent a significant advancement in regenerative dentistry.