Design and Evaluation of a Bone Regeneration Conducting Membrane Based on PLCL/Gelatin Containing nHA and β-TCP for Reconstruction of Mandibular Bone Defects

Abstract

Reconstruction of jaw bone defects is one of the major challenges in tissue engineering and oral and maxillofacial surgery. The aim of this study was to design and fabricate a bone regeneration conducting membrane (GBR) based on poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone)/gelatin (PLCL/Gelatin) and to investigate the effect of adding hydroxyapatite (nHA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) nanoparticles on the physical, biological, and osteogenic properties of this membrane. In this study, two groups were investigated, including sample 1 (PLCL/Gelatin) as the base group and sample 2 (PLCL/Gelatin/nHA/β-TCP) as the group containing bioactive ceramic compounds. The membranes were prepared using electrospinning and their morphological characteristics were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of SEM images showed the formation of a structure consisting of relatively uniform nanofibers and no significant spine structures. Also, the biocompatibility of the samples was evaluated using hemolysis and cytotoxicity tests. Both groups showed favorable biocompatibility and their hemolysis rate was less than 2%. Comparison of the results of the biological tests showed that the addition of nHA and β-TCP to the PLCL/Gelatin scaffold improved the biological performance of the membrane. In the PLCL/Gelatin/nHA/β-TCP group, an increase in formation of mineral deposits were observed compared to the PLCL/Gelatin group, indicating an increased osteogenic potential of this group. Also, the physical properties of the membranes showed that the presence of ceramic compounds affects the water absorption rate and membrane degradation behavior and can provide more suitable conditions for membrane performance in the biological environment. Histological studies using hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining also showed new bone formation and increased collagen deposition in the group containing nHA/β-TCP. Overall, the findings of this study showed that the PLCL/Gelatin/nHA/β-TCP membrane has a more favorable biological and osteogenic potential compared to the PLCL/Gelatin base membrane and can be considered as a promising option for use in the reconstruction of jaw bone defects.