Dexamethasone and vitamin D loaded scaffolds for bone engineering

Abstract

Abstract Vitamin D and dexamethasone are known for their anti-inflammatory effects and have shown promise in promoting bone regeneration due to their role in mineralizing hard tissues. The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize PLLA electrospun membranes that incorporate both vitamin D and dexamethasone and evaluate their potential for in vitro bone conduction and differentiation. PLLA membranes were synthesized, associating 5% dexamethasone and vitamin D in the ratios 1:1; 1:2; and 2:1, along with a drug-free control group. The membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The biological aspects of the scaffold were assessed using human cells from the periodontal ligament (hPDLSC). Cell proliferations were evaluated by Alamar Blue assay on days 1, 7, and 14 of culture. Cell differentiation in scaffolds was assessed by alizarin red assay after 21 days. The results were analysed using to one-way ANOVA (fibber diameter and alizarin red assay) or Kruskal –Wallis test (proliferation assay). Scanning electron microscopy showed an increase in fibber diameter with the addition of drugs, with the membrane with a 2:1 ratio of vitamin D/dexamethasone having the greatest average diameter. There was no difference in the proliferation of hPDLSCs with materials at 1 and 14 days; PLLA membrane with 5% vitamin D/ dexamethasone at 1:1 showed the greatest mineralization of the extracellular matrix, indicating better bone differentiation of hPDLSCs. It can be concluded that among the synthesized membranes, the membrane with the same ratio between vitamin D and dexamethasone was the one with the best osteodifferentiation ability of hPDLSCs.