Dental implants coated with BMP-2- and α-tocopherol-loaded nanofibers enhance osseointegration

Dental implants are widely used to treat edentulism, but the extended osseointegration period can increase infection risk, potentially causing peri-implantitis or implant failure. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), particularly BMP-2, show promise in bone regeneration but require stability and controlled release for effectiveness. This study developed dental implants coated with polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers loaded with BMP-2 and α-tocopherol. BMP-2 was encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles (BMP-2-CNPs) with an efficiency of 76.5 ± 1.01 %, particle size of 234.6 ± 0.15 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.284, and zeta potential of 24.97 ± 0.06 mV. BMP-2-CNPs and α-tocopherol were incorporated into PCL nanofibers using electrospinning. SEM imaging confirmed uniform nanofiber coating on implants. BMP-2 release from BMP-2-CNPs lasted 5 days with a 99 % release rate, while BMP-2 release from PCL nanofibers extended to 35 days with a 70 % release rate. α-Tocopherol release was 60 % within 24 h, continuing up to 96 h. The specific surface area of coated implants was 0.591-0.601 m²/g. WST-1 analysis showed over 85 % cell viability for both L929 fibroblasts and MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts after 24 and 72 h, with no cytotoxicity or increased inflammatory biomarkers TNF-α and IL-1β. MC3T3-E1 cells showed up to a 16-fold increase in Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity after 7 and 14 days, and enhanced expression of Runx2, Osteocalcin (OCN), and Osteopontin (OPN) genes, confirmed by Western Blot. Increased biomineralization was observed via Alizarin Red staining. In conclusion, BMP-2-CNPs and α-tocopherol-loaded PCL nanofibers on dental implants are a promising strategy to accelerate osseointegration post-implantation.