Preparation and characterization of aligned porous PCL/zein scaffolds as drug delivery systems via improved unidirectional freeze-drying method

• Published in: Materials Science & Engineering C Vol. 68; pp. 613 - 622
• Main Authors: Fereshteh, Zeinab, Fathi, Mohammadhossein, Bagri, Akbar, Boccaccini, Aldo R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.11.2016
• Subjects: Aligned PCL/zein scaffolds; Controlled release; Delayed-Action Preparations - chemistry; Delayed-Action Preparations - pharmacokinetics; Drug delivery; Freeze Drying; Polyesters - chemistry; Protein release; Tetracycline - chemistry; Tetracycline - pharmacokinetics; Zein - chemistry; Aligned PCL/zein scaffolds; Drug delivery; Protein release; Freeze-drying; Controlled release
• ISSN: 0928-4931; 1873-0191
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.06.009

A novel type of drug-delivery scaffold based on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and zein blends was prepared by improved unidirectional freeze-drying. Scaffolds with tube-like pore structure and high porosity, up to 89%, were obtained by adjusting the concentration of the PCL and zein solutions. Characters of the prepared scaffolds, such as microstructural, porosity, and compressive strength, were evaluated. The hydrophilicity and the degradability of the composite films were investigated in contact with phosphate buffer saline (PBS). It was found that the presence of zein accelerates the degradation rate of the scaffolds in the period time of investigation (28days). The results showed an acceptable way for controlling the in vitro degradation behavior of PCL composite scaffolds by adapting the concentration of zein. In vitro protein release and degradation results revealed that the absolute weight loss of the PCL/zein scaffolds exhibited an increasing trend by increasing the amount of zein concentration in the scaffolds. The drug delivery capability of the scaffolds was tested using tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH). Sustained release of the drug was obtained, and it was found that the proportion of zein in the scaffold had a great impact on the drug release kinetics. The results demonstrated the potential of the PCL/zein biocomposite scaffolds as a suitable candidate in tissue engineering strategies for bone defect treatment. •We synthesized an aligned porous PCL/zein scaffolds by improved unidirectional freeze-drying.•Our results signify an acceptable way for controlling in vitro degradation behavior of the polymeric composite scaffold.•The PCL/zein scaffolds are proposed as a suitable candidate in tissue engineering strategies for bone defect.