PLGA+HA/ßTCP Scaffold Incorporating Simvastatin: A Promising Biomaterial for Bone Tissue Engineering.

The aim of this study was to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate degradation and biocompatibility of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) + hydroxyapatite/ß-tricalcium phosphate (PLGA+HA/ßTCP) scaffolds incorporating simvastatin (SIM) to verify if this biomaterial might be promising for bone tissue engineering. Samples were obtained by the solvent evaporation technique. Biphasic ceramic particles (70% HA, 30% ßTCP) were added to PLGA in a ratio of 1:1. Samples with SIM received 1% (m/m) of this medication. Scaffolds were synthesized in a cylindric shape and sterilized by ethylene oxide. For degradation analysis, samples were immersed in phosphate-buffered saline at 37°C under constant stirring for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Nondegraded samples were taken as reference. Mass variation, scanning electron microscopy, porosity analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetry were performed to evaluate physico-chemical properties. Wettability and cytotoxicity tests were conducted to evaluate the biocompatibility. Microscopic images revealed the presence of macro-, meso-, and micropores in the polymer structure with HA/ßTCP particles homogeneously dispersed. Chemical and thermal analyses presented similar results for both PLGA+HA/ßTCP and PLGA+HA/ßTCP+SIM. The incorporation of simvastatin improved the hydrophilicity of scaffolds. Additionally, PLGA+HA/ßTCP and PLGA+HA/ßTCP+SIM scaffolds were biocompatible for osteoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. In summary, PLGA+HA/ßTCP scaffolds incorporating simvastatin presented adequate structural, chemical, thermal, and biological properties for bone tissue engineering.