Preparation and sustained-release properties of poly(lactic acid)/graphene oxide porous biomimetic composite scaffolds loaded with salvianolic acid B

Biomimetic scaffolds loaded with drugs can improve the osteogenesis and neovascularisation of scaffolds. A series of PLA/GO/Sal-B drug-loaded scaffolds was prepared by thermally induced phase separation. The addition of Sal-B increased the diameter of the fibres, but the scaffold showed a porous nanofibrous structure after drug release. X-ray diffraction results showed that the addition of Sal-B did not affect the formation of the nanofibre biomimetic structure of the scaffold. FTIR results indicated a certain interaction between Sal-B and PLA/GO. Water absorption and porosity test results revealed that the scaffolds had good hydrophilicity and appropriate porosity. The addition of Sal-B was also conducive to the formation of sediments possibly due to the good water solubility of Sal-B itself. The prepared scaffolds had good blood compatibility and cytocompatibility, and a small additional amount of Sal-B could significantly promote cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity. Their sustained release performance indicated that the biomimetic scaffolds had controlled the release of Sal-B. The kinetic model showed that the PLA/GO/Sal-B drug-loaded biomimetic scaffolds followed the diffusion mechanism.