A robust and biodegradable hydroxyapatite/poly(lactide--ε-caprolactone) electrospun membrane for dura repair.

Typically occurring after trauma or neurosurgery treatments, dura mater defect and the ensuing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage could lead to a number of serious complications and even patient's death. Although numerous natural and synthetic dura mater substitutes have been reported, none of them have been able to fulfill the essential properties, such as anti-adhesion, leakage blockage, and pro-dura rebuilding. In this study, we devised and prepared a series of robust and biodegradable hydroxyapatite/poly(lactide--ε-caprolactone) (HA/PLCL) membranes for dura repair an electrospinning technique. In particular, PLLA/PCL (80/20) was selected for electrospinning due to its mechanical properties that most closely resembled natural dural tissue. Studies by SEM, XRD, water contact angle and degradation showed that the introduction of HA would destroy PLCL's crystalline structure, which would further affect the mechanical properties of the HA/PLCL membranes. When the amount of HA added increased, so did the wettability and degradation rate, which accelerated the release of HA. In addition, the high biocompatibility of HA/PLCL membranes was demonstrated by cytotoxicity data. The rabbit dura repair model results showed that HA/PLCL membranes provided a strong physical barrier to stop tissue adhesion at dura defects. Meanwhile, the HA/PLCL and commercial group's CSF had a significantly lower number of inflammatory cells than the control groups, validating the HA/PLCL's ability to effectively lower the risk of intracranial infection. Findings from H&E and Masson-trichrome staining verified that the HA/PLCL electrospun membrane was more favorable for fostering dural defect repair and skull regeneration. Moreover, the relative molecular weight of PLCL declined dramatically after 3 months of implantation, according to the results of the degradation test, but it retained the fiber network structure and promoted tissue growth, demonstrating the good stability of the HA/PLCL membranes. Collectively, the HA/PLCL electrospun membrane presents itself as a viable option for dura repair.