The main objective of this study was to fabricate a controlled drug delivery which is simultaneously effective for bone regeneration. We have encapsulated simvastatin, which enhances osteoblastic activity, in the poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres. Loading of these microspheres inside the spongy scaffold of biphasic calcium phosphate with the help of Gelatin (Gel) hydrogel controls the delivery of the drug, and ensures a more favorable drug release profile. As a result, some significant benefits have been achieved, such as higher mechanical strength, excellent biocompatibility in in vitro experiments. For determining the characteristics of the composite scaffold, several analysis, such as scanning electron microscope, EDX, X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, and porosity were carried out. The in vitro drug release profile clearly indicates that simvastatin release from the microsphere was more controlled and prolonged after loading in the scaffold. Biocompatibility was certainly higher for the final composite scaffold compared to drug unloaded scaffold, as assessed through MTT assay and Confocal imaging with MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cells. Cell attachment and proliferation were certainly higher in the presence of drug loaded microspheres. Bone remodeling gene and protein expression were observed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot respectively. Simvastatin loaded scaffold exhibited the best results in every determination which was carried out.
Keywords: BCP; PLGA; Sponge replica; drug delivery; scaffold; simvastatin.