Kaempferol loaded albumin nanoparticles and dexamethasone encapsulation into electrospun polycaprolactone fibrous mat – Concurrent release for cartilage regeneration

Abstract Sustained release of bioactive molecules promoting proliferation of chondrocytes, differentiation and deposition of collagen and glycosaminoglycans is advantageous for cartilage tissue engineering. In this study, Kaempferol was encapsulated into albumin nanoparticle, which was added to polycaprolactone solution containing dexamethasone and electrospun to obtain nanofibrous mats. Herein, three different concentrations of kaempferol loaded albumin nanoparticles (KNP) (2 mg/ml, 4 mg/ml, 6 mg/ml) were added to fixed concentration of dexamethasone (2 mg/ml). Field emission scanning electron microscopic (FESEM) images implied a decrease in fiber diameter range with an increase in weight of KNP. XRD analysis revealed amorphization of both the drugs which is beneficial for drug delivery applications. Further, drug release study showed sustained release of kaempferol and dexamethasone for 15 days with initial burst release. Also, increased release of kaempferol from the mats was observed in dexamethasone added groups compared to KNP added groups. In addition, in vitro evaluation of fabricated mats with human chondrocytes induced increased deposition of glycosaminoglycans showing non cytotoxicity as well as pro chondrogenic property. To summarize, this model of nanofibrous mat releasing sustained concentrations of kaempferol and dexamethasone seems to be beneficial for cartilage regeneration.