# Electrospun PVA/CS/HA/BA Nanofiber Scaffolds with Enhanced Mechanical Stability and Antifungal Activity for Bone Tissue Engineering

## TL;DR

Researchers developed a nanofiber scaffold that supports bone tissue growth and fights fungal infections, with optimal mechanical and biological properties.

## Contribution

A novel electrospun scaffold combining mechanical stability, thermal resistance, and antifungal activity for bone tissue engineering.

## Key findings

- 0.25 wt.% BA concentration maximizes tensile strength at 9.15 MPa while maintaining cytocompatibility.
- HA and BA integration forms borate-ester linkages, enhancing structural and thermal properties.
- 0.25 wt.% BA offers a balance between antifungal action and cell viability for bone regeneration.

## Abstract

In this study, we created multifunctional bone tissue engineering scaffolds that combine prophylactic antifungal action with structural support. We produced PVA/CS/HA/BA nanofiber matrices via a specifically designed electrospinning technique to stop early cross-linking. Through SEM, our examination of fiber shape revealed diameters ranging from 178 ± 53 nm to 330 ± 69 nm. We discovered that this variation was closely correlated with the Boric Acid (BA) level. Our EDS and FTIR studies further showed that HA and BA were effectively mixed, with a specific focus on the production of borate-ester linkages inside the network. Mechanical examination revealed that 0.25 wt.% BA maximizes the tensile strength at 9.15 MPa, thereby closely matching HA-reinforced standards, while HA incorporation improved thermal stability. Moreover, in vitro hFOB experiments showed sustained cytocompatibility at 0.25 wt.% BA. While 0.5 wt.% BA showed strong antifungal action against Candida albicans, it sadly harmed cell viability. The 0.25 wt.% BA concentration ultimately offers a better balance between mechanical integrity and antibacterial action, therefore presenting a potential method for scaffold generation for bone regeneration in immunocompromised patients.