Drug delivery and cytocompatibility of ciprofloxacin loaded gelatin nanofibers-coated Mg alloy

In this study, gelatin-ciprofloxacin (Gel-Cip) nanofibers containing various amounts of Cip (0, 2, 4 and, 8 wt%) were fabricated on the surface of Mg-1Ca alloy via an electrospinning process. Microscopic characterization indicated a porous network structure with fiber diameters in the range of 150-170 nm. Prolonged drug release was attained from Gel-Cip nanofibers coating along with initial rapid drug release of around 20-22% during 12 h, followed by a slow release stage that can effectively control the infection. The incorporation of 2-4 wt% Cip into Gel nanofibers coating significantly increased the antibacterial performance and corrosion resistance of the uncoated Mg-Ca alloy without showing an inhibitory influence on the cytocompatibility characteristic. Hence, it is potentially appropriate as the novel electrospun nanofibers coating material for bone regeneration application. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.