Fabrication and In Vitro Drug Delivery Evaluation of Cephalexin Monohydrate-Loaded PLA:PVA/HAP:TiO2 Fibrous Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration

Owing to the excellent osteoconductive property of hydroxyapatite, we aimed to design a cephalexin monohydrate-loaded PLA:PVA/HAP:TiO2 nanofibrous scaffold to improve the drug delivery efficiency toward bone regenerative applications. In this study, HAP:TiO2 (anatase and rutile phases) samples were prepared by a coprecipitation method, which were later blended with PLA:PVA polymeric solution (with and without the drug) to fabricate a nanofibrous matrix via the electrospinning technique. All the prepared samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, porosity, and tensile strength tests. Further, in vitro biodegradation and the drug-releasing ability were examined by varying the concentration of cephalexin monohydrate in the composite matrix. Deposition of the apatite layer on the scaffolds was examined after incubation in simulated body fluid solution to confirm the bioactivity of the prepared nanofibers. Biocompatibility by the MTT assay and osteogenic differentiation by ARS staining were evaluated by culturing MG63 cells on PLA:PVA/HAP:TiO2 nanofibers, which could ensue better support for cell proliferation. Consequently, the sustained release profile and better biocompatibility of the scaffolds revealed a strong potential use in bone regenerative applications.