# The Preparation of Dentin Matrix-Polycaprolactone Drug Carrier Scaffold and Its Application in Promoting Bone Formation

## TL;DR

This paper describes a new scaffold made from dentin matrix and polycaprolactone that helps promote bone cell growth and could be used to deliver drugs.

## Contribution

A novel dentin matrix-polycaprolactone scaffold was developed to enhance osteoblast activity and drug delivery.

## Key findings

- The DM-PCL scaffold significantly increased osteoblast proliferation compared to pure PCL.
- The scaffold improved early osteogenic differentiation and cell adhesion.
- Cells on the DM-PCL scaffold showed better spreading and actin organization.

## Abstract

Background and objective

The bioactivity of natural plant extracts, such as Chinese herbal medicines, is often limited by their poor water solubility. Therefore, selecting an appropriate drug carrier is crucial for exerting the pharmacological effects of these medicines. This study aimed to fabricate a dentin matrix-polycaprolactone (DM-PCL) drug carrier scaffold and evaluate its effects on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts, thereby providing experimental support for subsequent drug loading applications.

Methodology

The DM-PCL carrier scaffold was constructed using electrospinning technology, and its surface morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Osteoblasts were cultured in vitro, and the osteogenic effects of the DM-PCL scaffold were compared with those of a pure PCL scaffold through CCK-8 cell proliferation assay, live/dead cell staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, cytoskeleton staining, and analysis of Runx2 mRNA expression levels.

Results

CCK-8 assay and live/dead staining showed that the DM-PCL drug carrier scaffold significantly promoted osteoblast proliferation (p<0.05). ALP activity detection indicated that the scaffold also enhanced early osteogenic differentiation (p>0.05). Phalloidin staining revealed a higher number of cells in the DM-PCL group, with adequate cell spreading and slightly clearer intracellular network structure and actin arrangement compared to the PCL group.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, the DM-PCL drug carrier scaffold can promote the adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of osteoblasts.