In this research, we describe the properties of three-component composite foam scaffolds based on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) as a matrix and hydroxyapatite whiskers (HAP) and L-Lysine as fillers (PCL/HAP/Lys with wt% ratio 50/48/2). The scaffolds were prepared using a thermally induced phase separation technique supported by salt leaching (TIPS-SL). All materials were precisely characterized: porosity, density, water uptake, wettability, DSC, and TGA measurements and compression tests were carried out. The microstructure of the obtained scaffolds was analyzed via SEM. It was found that the PCL/HAP/Lys scaffold has a 45% higher Young’s modulus and better wettability compared to the PCL/HAP system. At the same time, the porosity of the system was ~90%. The osteoblast hFOB 1.19 cell response was also investigated in osteogenic conditions (39 °C) and the cytokine release profile of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was determined. Modification of PCL scaffolds with HAP and L-Lysine significantly improved the proliferation of pre-osteoblasts cultured on such materials.

Chitosan is one of the most commonly employed natural polymers for biomedical applications. However, in order to obtain stable chitosan biomaterials with appropriate strength properties, it is necessary to subject it to crosslinking or stabilization. Composites based on chitosan and bioglass were prepared using the lyophilization method. In the experimental design, six different methods were used to obtain stable, porous chitosan/bioglass biocomposite materials. This study compared the crosslinking/stabilization of chitosan/bioglass composites with ethanol, thermal dehydration, sodium tripolyphosphate, vanillin, genipin, and sodium β-glycerophosphate. The physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties of the obtained materials were compared. The results showed that all the selected crosslinking methods allow the production of stable, non-cytotoxic porous composites of chitosan/bioglass. The composite with genipin stood out with the best of the compared properties, taking into account biological and mechanical characteristics. The composite stabilized with ethanol is distinct in terms of its thermal properties and swelling stability, and it also promotes cell proliferation. Regarding the specific surface area, the highest value exposes the composite stabilized by the thermal dehydration method.

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) of different morphologies was prepared by the direct decomposition of calcium lactate pentahydrate chelates using dipotassium hydrogen phosphate under hydrothermal conditions. The proposed technique allows for precise control of the HAp crystals morphology and product purity, which are necessary for biomedical applications. The synthesis parameters such as reagent concentrations, pH, reaction time, temperature, pressure, and stirring rate were optimized in order to produce calcium phosphates (CaPs) ceramics with restricted morphologies and composition. As a result, we obtained hydroxyapatite in the form of whiskers, hexagonal rods, nano particles, flowers, and cylinders. The products were characterized according to their structure (FTIR and XRD), morphology (SEM), and functional properties, i.e., the specific surface area. The obtained results indicate that the reagent concentration and pH values have the greatest impact on the HAp properties; however, the proper combination of all the mentioned parameters should be considered when there is a need for a bioceramic with defined physicochemical properties and an appropriate morphology.

Synthetic implants are used to treat large bone defects that are often unable to regenerate, for example those caused by osteoporosis. It is necessary that the materials used to manufacture them are biocompatible and resorbable. Polymer-ceramic composites, such as those based on poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and calcium phosphate ceramics (Ca-P), are often used for these purposes. In this study, we attempted to investigate an innovative strategy for two-step (dual) modification of composites and their components to improve the compatibility of composite components and the adhesion between PLA and Ca-P whiskers, and to increase the mechanical strength of the composite, as well as improve osteological bioactivity and prevent bone resorption in composites intended for bone regeneration. In the first step, Ca-P whiskers were modified with a saturated fatty acid namely, lauric acid (LA), or a silane coupling agent γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). Then, the composite, characterized by the best mechanical properties, was modified in the second stage of the work with an active chemical compound used in medicine as a first-line drug in osteoporosis—sodium alendronate, belonging to the group of bisphosphonates (BP). As a result of the research covered in this work, the composite modified with APTES and alendronate was found to be a promising candidate for future biomedical engineering applications.

Composites based on polylactide (PLA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) were prepared using a thermally induced phase separation method. In the experimental design, the PLA with low weight-average molar mass (M_w) and high M_w were tested with the inclusion of HA synthesized as whiskers or hexagonal rods. In addition, the structure of HA whiskers was doped with Zn, whereas hexagonal rods were mixed with Sr salt. The composites were sterilized and then incubated in phosphate-buffered saline for 12 weeks at 37 °C, followed by characterization of pore size distribution, molecular properties, density and mechanical strength. Results showed a substantial reduction of PLA M_w for both polymers due to the preparation of composites, their sterilization and incubation. The distribution of pore size effectively increased after the degradation process, whereas the sterilization, furthermore, had an impact on pore size distribution depending on HA added. The inclusion of HA reduced to some extent the degradation of PLA quantitatively in the weight loss in vitro compared to the control without HA. All produced materials showed no cytotoxicity when validated against L929 mouse skin fibroblasts and hFOB 1.19 human osteoblasts. The lack of cytotoxicity was accompanied by the immunocompatibility with human monocytic cells that were able to detect pyrogenic contaminants.

Background/Objectives: Although triple antibiotic paste is effective in managing infected primary teeth, its incomplete removability from tooth structure remains a major limitation, prompting the search for alternative drug-delivery systems. The aim of this study was to obtain a multi-antibiotic porous composite system for tailored drug delivery, to develop a formulation strategy, and to characterize the physicochemical properties and drug release. Methods: The developed composites consisted of a porous composite matrix (PCM; chitosan/bioactive filler) and two or three antibiotics (ciprofloxacin [CIP], metronidazole [MET], clindamycin [CLI]). Three methods of incorporating antibiotics were used: applying an antibiotic solution to the stabilized PCM; introducing an antibiotic solution into the polymer matrix; and introducing an antibiotic into the polymer matrix as nanoparticles. The physicochemical properties of the composites, including microstructure, compressive strength, and swelling, were assessed. The antibiotic release profile was assessed for up to 168 h. Results: The most advantageous method for introducing MET and CLI, in terms of release profile, was applying them to the PCM surface, whereas ciprofloxacin exhibited stable release when incorporated directly into the polymer matrix and entrapped during the stabilization process. The composites with nanoparticles, including MET or CIP, did not release any active substances during the experimental period. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the developed formulation strategy enables the production of composites that rapidly release substantial amounts of the active substances within a short time frame and maintain their concentration for an extended period, which may be beneficial for the treatment of bacterial infections.