Electrospun PCL/PLGA-biogenic hydroxyapatite nanofibers with bioactive additives: physicochemical characterization...

This study developed electrospun hybrid nanofiber scaffolds based on polycaprolactone (PCL)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) incorporated with biogenic hydroxyapatite (HAp) and bioactive additives including egg white (EW), propolis, and amoxicillin. Biogenic HAp was synthesized fromPinctada maximashell-derived CaO and integrated into polymer matrices via electrospinning. The fabricated scaffolds were characterized using FTIR, XRD, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate functional groups, crystallinity, and morphology, whilein vitrobioactivity was assessed using simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion. FTIR results confirmed the formation of hydroxyapatite and successful incorporation of polymer-ceramic components. XRD analysis indicated dominant HAp phase formation with nanoscale crystallite size (∼26 nm) and preserved polymer crystallinity in hybrid nanofibers. SEM analysis showed uniform nanofiber morphology with diameters ranging from 0.34-0.64µm depending on additive composition. SBF immersion demonstrated apatite layer formation, indicating good mineralization potential. Swelling ratio analysis showed additive-dependent hydration behavior, with amoxicillin (143%) and propolis (129%) significantly increasing swelling, while EW produced moderate swelling (79%) compared to the base scaffold (63%). Overall, the hybrid scaffolds demonstrated synergistic physicochemical stability and bioactivity, supporting their potential use as functional biomaterial platforms.