Niobium pentoxide and hydroxyapatite particle loaded electrospun polycaprolactone/gelatin membranes for bone tissue engineering

Effective methods of accelerating the bone regeneration healing process are in demand for a number of bone-related diseases and trauma. This work developed scaffolds with improved properties for bone tissue engineering by electrospinning composite polycaprolactone-gelatin-hydroxyapatite-niobium pentoxide (PGHANb) membranes. Composite membranes, with average fiber diameters ranging from 123 to 156 nm, were produced by adding hydroxyapatite (HA) and varying concentrations of niobium pentoxide (Nb₂O₅) particles (0, 3, 7, and 10 wt%) to a polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin (GL) matrix prior to electrospinning. The morphology, mechanical, chemical and biological properties of resultant membranes were evaluated. Bioactivity was assessed using simulated body fluid (SBF) and it confirmed that the presence of particles induced the formation of hydroxyapatite crystals on the surface of the membranes. Samples were hydrophilic and cell metabolism results showed that the niobium-containing membranes were non-toxic while improving cell proliferation and differentiation compared to controls. This study demonstrated that electrospun membranes containing HA and Nb₂O₅ particles have potential to promote cell adhesion and proliferation while exhibiting bioactive properties. PGHANb membranes are promising candidates for bone tissue engineering applications.