Synthesis and characterization of CaO-loaded electrospun matrices for bone tissue engineering

Abstract

Objectives To synthesize and characterize biodegradable polymer-based matrices loaded with CaO-nanoparticles for osteomyelitis treatment and bone tissue engineering. Materials and methods Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and PCL/gelatin (1:1, w/w) solutions containing CaO nanoparticles were electrospun into fibrous matrices. Scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy, Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), contact angle (CA), tensile testing, and antibacterial activity (agar diffusion assay) against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were performed. Osteoprecursor cell (MC3T3-E1) response (i.e., viability and alkaline phosphatase expression/ALP) and infiltration into the matrices were evaluated. Results CaO nanoparticles were successfully incorporated into the fibers, with the median fiber diameter decreasing after CaO incorporation. The CA decreased with the 0addition of CaO, and the presence of gelatin made the matrix very hydrophilic (CA = 0°). Increasing CaO concentrations progressively reduced the mechanical properties (p≤0.030). CaO-loaded matrices did not display consistent antibacterial activity. MC3T3-E1 cell viability demonstrated the highest levels for CaO-loaded matrices containing gelatin after 7 days in culture. An increased ALP expression was consistently seen for PCL/CaO matrices when compared to PCL and gelatin-containing counterparts. Conclusions Despite inconsistent antibacterial activity, CaO nanoparticles can be effectively loaded into PCL or PCL/gelatin fibers without negatively affecting the overall performance of the matrices. More importantly, CaO incorporation enhanced cell viability as well as differentiation capacity, as demonstrated by an increased ALP expression. Clinical significance CaO-loaded electrospun matrices show potential for applications in bone tissue engineering.

Bioactive Polymeric Nanoparticles for Periodontal Therapy

“…Previously displayed results stood that calcium-loading of polymeric membranes (less than 15 wt. % of CaO NPs, relative to the total polymer weight) was not harmful to cells [14]. In addition, zinc oxide NPs inclusion on same polymers (5, 15, and 30 wt % of ZnO NPs, relative to the polymer weight) increased membranes cell cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner.…”

“…The cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs previously tested on human periodontal ligament fibroblast was found to strongly depend on concentration, being harmful at concentrations of 50 and 100 micrograms/mL [46]. It may be concluded that ionic zinc or calcium incorporation in the nanopolymer structure did exert lower cytotoxicity than when CaO or ZnO NPs are directly incorporated into the biomaterial [13,14]. …”

“…The replacement of antibiotics by alternative antibacterial agents, such as metal oxides, may help to overcome chronic infections. Calcium and zinc nanoparticles have also been demonstrated to have significant antimicrobial activities [13,14]. Zinc may also play a role in collagen protection from MMPs degradation [15].…”

Electrospun Ceramic Nanofiber Mats Today: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications

“…It was explained that Ag/SiOC composite NFs are a promising material for antibacterial filtration application. Eventually, electrospun PCL/CaO NFs containing biodegradable and ceramic particles are used for tissue engineering [153]. Antibacterial activity results of the above-mentioned NFs show non activity, and MC3T3-E1 cell viability demonstrate the highest levels of activity for CaO-loaded matrices containing gelatin after 7 days in culture.…”

Nanofibrous Scaffolds as Promising Cell Carriers for Tissue Engineering

“…This is feasible by addition of inorganic nanoparticles into nanofibers, such as ceramic nanoparticles, for example hydroxyapatite [16,27,28,30], tricalcium phosphate [63,66], calcium oxide [67], or calcium silicate [24]; metal-based nanoparticles, for example gold nanoparticles [29], ferro- [62], or nanodiamonds [68]. These nanoparticles not only reinforce the polymeric nanofibers but also enhance their bioactivity in terms of increased cell adhesion, growth, osteogenic cell differentiation, bone matrix mineralization and antimicrobial activity.…”