Cisplatin loaded polycaprolactone–Zeolite nanocomposite scaffolds for bone cancer treatment

 

A novel polycaprolactone– zeolite nanocomposite Y (PCL – Zeol) scaffold was fabricated as a carrier for sustained release of cisplatin (Cis) for bone cancer treatment. In this regard, after synthesis of Zeol with a proper morphological uniformity, Cis was loaded with a high loading capacity into the cavities of Zeol nanoparticles. Subsequently, PCL – Zeol scaffolds consisting of various concentrations of Zeol were fabricated via a two-step particulate leaching-freeze-drying approach. The results demonstrated that the scaffolds with high porosity (74–90%) and open-pore diameter in the range of 200–400 μm were developed, depending on the Zeol content. Moreover, incorporation of 20 wt.% Zeol significantly improved the compressive strength (from 0.25 ± 0.07 to 7.5 ± 0.45 MPa), hence making it a promising candidate for bone tissue engineering. The incorporation of 20 wt. % Zeol also promoted the in vitro bioactivity and, at the same time, kept the degradation rate in the appropriate range for bone regeneration (57.4 ± 1.5 gr/month). The PCL – Zeol nanocomposite scaffold could provide a pH-sensitive and sustained release of Cis after 7 days, following an initial burst release. The release rate of Cis from the PCL - Zeol scaffolds noticeably depended on the pH values of the surrounding environment. More specifically, 87.6% ± 4.1 of Cis was released at pH = 5.4 during 28 days of incubation. The MTT assay revealed that while the PCL – Zeol scaffolds promoted the viability of MG63 cells, the release of Cis from PCL – Zeol – Cis scaffold had a cytotoxic effect on the MG63 cells. In summary, PCL – Zeol – Cis scaffolds with significant bioactivity, mechanical properties, and cytotoxic effect on MG63 cells were fabricated with the potential application in the regeneration of bone-cancer-affected tissues. The PCL – Zeol – Cis scaffolds might be useful for effective treatment of bone imperfection derived from surgery owing to bone cancer and might prevent the return of cancer cells.