Discussion
Finding from this study revealed that the incorporation of MSM would be effective in improving the osteogenesis activity of the HA/PLGA porous scaffolds.
Methods
Three-dimensional (3D) hydroxyapatite/poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (HA/PLGA) porous scaffolds with different doping levels of MSM were prepared using the phase separation method. MSM loading efficiency, in vitro drug release as well as the biological activity of MSM-loaded scaffolds were investigated by incubating mouse pre-osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1) in the uniform and interconnected porous scaffolds.
Results
Sustained release of MSM from the scaffolds was observed, and the total MSM release from 1% and 10% MSM/HA/PLGA scaffolds within 16 days was up to 64.9% and 68.2%, respectively. Cell viability, proliferation, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were significantly promoted by incorporating 0.1% of MSM in the scaffolds. In vivo bone formation ability was significantly enhanced for 1% MSM/HA/PLGA scaffolds indicated by the repair of rabbit radius defects which might be affected by a stimulated release of MSM by enzyme systems in vivo.