An injectable scaffold: rhBMP-2-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/hydroxyapatite composite microspheres

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/hydroxyapatite(50/50) (PLGA/HA(50/50)) composite microspheres were fabricated and treated with a mixture of 0.25 M NaOH aqueous solution and ethanol (v/v = 1/1) at 37 °C. The properties of untreated and treated PLGA/HA(50/50) composite microspheres were determined and compared. The results showed that the surface roughness, HA content and hydrophilicity of the treated PLGA/HA(50/50) composite microspheres increased with treatment time. However, the treatment time should be kept within 2 h in order to maintain the shape of the PLGA/HA(50/50) microspheres. At the same time, a degradation study showed that both the untreated and treated microspheres degraded gradually with time, with the treated microspheres degrading faster in the first 4 weeks. The rhBMP-2-loaded PLGA/HA(50/50) composite microspheres were prepared by solution dipping treated PLGA/HA(50/50) composite microspheres. Mouse OCT-1 osteoblast-like cells were cultured on the untreated, treated and rhBMP-2-loaded PLGA/HA(50/50) composite microspheres and the cell affinity of the various microspheres was assessed and compared. It was found that the surface-treated PLGA/HA(50/50) composite microspheres clearly promoted osteoblast attachment, proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity. It was considered that the hydrophilicity, osteoconductivity and surface roughness were increased by the increase in the HA component, which facilitated cell growth. Moreover, the rhBMP-2 loaded on the treated PLGA/HA(50/50) composite microspheres could be slowly released and further enhanced osteoblast differentiation. The good cell affinity and enhanced osteogenic potential of the rhBMP-2-loaded PLGA/HA composite microspheres indicate that they could be used as an injectable scaffold.