In Vitro and In Vivo Studies of BMP-2-Loaded PCL–Gelatin–BCP Electrospun Scaffolds

To confirm the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) for bone regeneration, BMP-2-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL)–gelatin (Gel)–biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) fibrous scaffolds were fabricated using the electrospinning method. The electrospinning process to incorporate BCP nanoparticles into the PCL–Gel scaffolds yielded an extracellular matrix-like microstructure that was a hybrid system composed of nano- and micro-sized fibers. BMP-2 was homogeneously loaded on the PCL–Gel–BCP scaffolds for enhanced induction of bone growth. BMP-2 was initially released at high levels, and then showed sustained release behavior for 31 days. Compared with the PCL–Gel–BCP scaffold, the BMP-2-loaded PCL–Gel–BCP scaffold showed improved cell proliferation and cell adhesion behavior. Both scaffold types were implanted in rat skull defects for 4 and 8 weeks to evaluate the biological response under physiological conditions. Remarkable bone regeneration was observed in the BMP-2/PCL–Gel–BCP group. Th...