# PLLA/Simvastatin-Loaded Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanofibrous Scaffolds with Improved Osteogenic Activity and Mechanical Properties for Bone Tissue Engineering

## TL;DR

Researchers developed a new type of scaffold for bone tissue engineering that improves mechanical strength and promotes bone growth.

## Contribution

A novel PLLA/MBG@SIM scaffold system is introduced, offering enhanced mechanical and osteogenic properties for bone tissue engineering.

## Key findings

- PLLA/MBG@SIM scaffolds showed over 50% higher tensile strength and modulus compared to pure PLLA scaffolds.
- The scaffolds promoted apatite formation and exhibited superior osteogenic activity.
- The composite scaffolds were non-toxic and biocompatible.

## Abstract

Insufficient osteogenic activity and mechanical properties of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) are urgent problems to be solved in deepening their application in bone tissue engineering. In this work, PLLA/mesoporous bioactive glass (PLLA/MBG) scaffolds and PLLA/simvastatin-loaded mesoporous bioactive glass (PLLA/MBG@SIM) scaffolds with filler content of 5, 10, and 15 wt% MBG and MBG@SIM were fabricated via electrospinning technology. At 10 wt% MBG loading, the tensile strength and tensile modulus were 3.23 ± 0.26 MPa and 124.47 ± 8.68 MPa, respectively, over 50% higher than those of PLLA scaffolds, demonstrating a significant enhancement in mechanical properties. Moreover, the incorporation of MBG improved the bioactivity of the PLLA scaffold, promoting the formation of apatite on the surface of the scaffolds. All composite scaffolds were non-toxic with good biocompatibility. Furthermore, PLLA/MBG@SIM composite scaffolds displayed superior osteogenic effects, better than the pure PLLA scaffolds and PLLA/MBG scaffolds. This work presents a multifunctional scaffold system combining enhanced mechanical strength with potent osteogenic activity, showing great promise for bone tissue engineering applications.