The synergetic effect of bioactive molecule–loaded electrospun core‐shell fibres for reconstruction of critical‐sized calvarial bone defect—The effect of synergetic release on bone Formation

OBJECTIVES: Bone regeneration is a complex process modulated by multiple growth factors and hormones during long regeneration period; thus, designing biomaterials with the capacity to deliver multiple bioactive molecules and obtain sustained release has gained an increasing popularity in recent years. This study is aimed to evaluate the effect of a novel core‐shell electrospun fibre loaded with dexamethasone (DEX) and bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) on bone regeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The core‐shell electrospun fibres were fabricated by coaxial electrospinning technology, which were composed of poly‐D, L‐lactide (PLA) shell and poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) core embedded with BMP‐2 and DEX‐loaded micelles. Morphology, hydrophilicity, gradation, release profile of BMP‐2 and DEX, and cytological behaviour on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were characterized. Furthermore, the effect on bone regeneration was evaluated via critical‐sized calvarial defect model. RESULTS: The electrospun fibres were featured by the core‐shell fibrous architecture and a suitable degradation rate. The sustained release of DEX and BMP‐2 was up to 562 hours. The osteogenic gene expression and calcium deposition of BMSCs were significantly enhanced, indicating the osteoinduction capacity of electrospun fibres. This core‐shell fibre could accelerate repair of calvarial defects in vivo via synergistic effect. CONCLUSIONS: This core‐shell electrospun fibre loaded with DEX and BMP‐2 can act synergistically to enhance bone regeneration, which stands as a strong potential candidate for repairing bone defects.