Electrospun PCL scaffold modified with chitosan nanoparticles for enhanced bone regeneration.

The encapsulation of ascorbic acid within chitosan nanoparticles (CHNs), embedded in a fibrous structure of a dexamethasone (Dex)-loaded PCL scaffold, provides a new plan for osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. This electrospun PCL fibrous scaffold can release Dex, as bone differentiation initiator, and ascorbic acid, as bone differentiation enhancer, in an approximately sustained release pattern for about 2 weeks. Ascorbic acid-loaded CHNs were prepared by electrospraying a mixture of chitosan and ascorbic acid, and Dex-containing PCL fibers were prepared by electrospinning a mixture of PCL and Dex.