Growth factor-encapsulated triphasic scaffolds of electrospun polylactic acid–polycaprolactone (PLA–PCL) nanofibrous mats combined with a directionally freeze-dried chitosan hydrogel for periodontal tissue regeneration

Abstract

Cementum, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and gingiva make up the three-dimensional, multicellular structure known as periodontal tissue, which is crucial for maintaining the healthy alignment and function of teeth. Simulating the highly layered and orderly structure of periodontal tissue is the key to achieving its regeneration. In this study, through electrospinning, directional freeze-drying, and cross-linking, we successfully fabricated poly lactic acid (PLA)–poly ε-caprolactone (PCL) electrospun nanofibrous mats with the freeze-dried chitosan of the directionally arranged microporous channel structure. Moreover, we used nanoparticles to load three different growth factors of the target layer. We constructed triphasic scaffolds that simulated the physiological periodontal tissue. These scaffolds with superior mechanical properties were tested in vitro with periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), and the results supported that the triphasic scaffolds with growth factors had superior biocompatibility and reduced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, we performed in vivo experiments, and the triphasic scaffolds loaded with growth factors were able to promote the repair of periodontal defects by promoting the formation of alveolar bone-like tissue, periodontal ligament-like tissue, and cementum-like tissue. The successful construction of the triphasic scaffold provides a novel approach for remodeling the physiologic organization and function of the periodontal tissue with multiphasic scaffolds.