PLGA plus HA/βTCP Scaffold Incorporating Simvastatin: A Promising Biomaterial for Bone Tissue Engineering

The aim of this study was to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate degradation and biocompatibility of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) thorn hydroxyapatite/beta-tricalcium phosphate (PLGA+HA/beta TCP) scaffolds incorporating simvastatin (SIM) to verify if this biomaterial might be promising for bone tissue engineering. Samples were obtained by the solvent evaporation technique. Biphasic ceramic particles (70% HA, 30% beta TCP) were added to PLGA in a ratio of 1:1. Samples with SIM received 1% (m/m) of this medication. Scaffolds were synthesized in a cylindric shape and sterilized by ethylene oxide. For degradation analysis, samples were immersed in phosphate-buffered saline at 378C under constant stirring for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Nondegraded samples were taken as reference. Mass variation, scanning electron microscopy, porosity analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetry were performed to evaluate physico-chemical properties. Wettability and cytotoxicity tests were conducted to evaluate the biocompatibility. Microscopic images revealed the presence of macro-, meso-, and micropores in the polymer structure with HA/beta TCP particles homogeneously dispersed. Chemical and thermal analyses presented similar results for both PLGA+HA/beta TCP and PLGA+HA/beta TCPthornSIM. The incorporation of simvastatin improved the hydrophilicity of scaffolds. Additionally, PLGA+HA/beta TCP and PLGA+HA/beta TCPthornSIM scaffolds were biocompatible for osteoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. In summary, PLGA+HA/beta TCP scaffolds incorporating simvastatin presented adequate structural, chemical, thermal, and biological properties for bone tissue engineering.

Automated summary

The study aimed to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the biocompatibility of PLGA+HA/β-TCP scaffolds incorporating simvastatin for bone tissue engineering. The inclusion of simvastatin improved scaffold hydrophilicity and showed adequate structural, chemical, thermal, and biological properties for bone tissue engineering.