Electrospun lignin-loaded artificial periosteum for bone regeneration and elimination of bacteria

Recently, the non-negligible role of the periosteum in bone repair has attracted the attention of researchers. In this study, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/lignin nano-fibrous membranes prepared by electrospinning are proposed as an artificial periosteum. Both in vitro and in vivo studies confirmed that PCL/lignin membranes have a pro-osteogenic effect. This effect was dependent on the lignin concentration, and there was an optimal concentration at which the membrane possessed the highest osteogenesis-potentiating activity among those tested in this study. In addition, the PCL/lignin membranes exhibited promising antibacterial properties against both E. coli and S. aureus, with high lignin concentrations corresponding to high-bactericidal activity. The prepared PCL/lignin membranes displayed promising osteogenic and antibacterial properties. With satisfactory hydrophilicity and mechanical properties, they hold great potential in serving as an artificial periosteum for bone tissue repair. This study provides both theoretical and laboratory evidence for the application of the renewable resource lignin in the repair of the periosteum and bone injuries.