Electrospun core-sheath PCL nanofibers loaded with nHA and simvastatin and their potential bone regeneration applications

Introduction: Drugs and biocompatible nanoparticles have raised significant potential in advancing the bone regeneration. Electrospinning technology enables the full realization of the value of drugs and nanoparticles. Methods: In this study, we have successfully fabricated core-sheath nanofibers solely composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) polymer. Simvastatin (SIM) was confined to the core of the nanofibers while nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) was loaded on the nanofiber surface. Results: All the prepared nanofibers exhibited a cylindrical micromorphology, and the core-sheath structure was exploited using a Transmission Electron Microscope. X-ray pattern results indicated that SIM was in an amorphous state within nanofibers, while Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy showed excellent chemical compatibility among SIM, nHA, and PCL. The actual loading of nHA within the nanofiber was determined by a thermogravimetric test due to the high melting point of nHA. Core-sheath nanofibers could release SIM for 672 h, which was attributed to the core-sheath structure. Furthermore, nanofibers loaded with SIM or nHA had a positive impact on cell proliferation, with the core-sheath nanofibers displaying the most favorable cell proliferation behavior. Discussion: Such a synergistic facilitation strategy based on materials and nanostructure may encourage researchers to exploit new biomedical materials in future.

Automated summary

In this study, core-sheath nanofibers composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) polymer were successfully fabricated, with Simvastatin (SIM) confined to the core and nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) loaded on the surface. The nanofibers exhibited cylindrical morphology, and their core-sheath structure was confirmed using Transmission Electron Microscope. SIM was found to be in an amorphous state within the nanofibers, and excellent chemical compatibility was observed among SIM, nHA, and PCL through Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy. The core-sheath nanofibers showed sustained release of SIM for 672 hours, and they demonstrated the most favorable cell proliferation behavior.