The fabrication of an ICA-SF/PLCL nanofibrous membrane by coaxial electrospinning and its effect on bone regeneration in vitro and in vivo

GBR is currently accepted as one of the most effective approaches for bone defect regeneration relating to dental implant. Icariin is the main active ingredient in the extraction of total flavonoids from the Chinese traditional herb Epimediumbrevicornum Maxim. In this study, ICA was successfully incorporated into the nanofibers barrier membrane (ICA-SF/PLCL) as osteoinduction factor by coaxial electrospinning and was released in a sustained and controlled manner. The entire release period included two stages: an initial burst stage (47.54 ± 0.06% on 5 d) and a decreasing and constant stage (82.09 ± 1.86% on 30 d). The membrane has good biocompatibility with BMMSCs anchored and significantly promoted its osteogenic activity. Moreover, in vivo experiment, bone defect covered by ICA-SF/PLCL membrane in rat cranium were statistically repaired compare to other groups. 12 weeks after implantation, in the test group, the new bone formation spread to cover most of the defect region with volume and density of approximately 15.95 ± 3.58 mm(3) and 14.02 ± 0.93%. These results demonstrated that ICA-SF/PLCL nanofibrous membrane could be a promising barrier applicated for GBR.