Characterization of Icarrin and Icariin-2-Hydroxypropyl-beta-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex- Loading Poly (L-Lactic Acid) Scaffolds

To mimic natural extracellular matrix architecture, the poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds loading icariin and icariin-2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex were prepared via phase separation, solvent replacement and freeze-drying. The morphologies of PLLA scaffolds were visualized with scanning electron microscopy, the icariin concentration and drug release in vitro were determined by HPLC method. The results showed that the drug content of PLLA scaffolds loading icariin was only about 0.832 mg/g and the accumulated release percentage in vitro was just approximately 20% in five days. However, the drug content of PLLA scaffolds loading icriin 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex was satisfactory, about 2.677 mg/g and the accumulated release percentage in vitro was approximately 80% in five days. Therefore, icariin-2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex-loaded PLLA scaffolds are suitable for the cartilage tissue engineering.