Traditional Chinese Medicine Epimedium Release from PLGA/HA Scaffolds Prepared in Supercritical CO_2

摘要

Traditional chinese medicine epimedium was introduced into the poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)/hydroxyapatite (PLGA/HA) scaffolds by using a supercritical CO_2 technique. The morphology, porosity, mechanical strength, degradation behaviors, and drug release kenitics of scaffolds with 1wt%, 5 wt% and 10 wt% of epimedium were determined. The results revealed that the micropores and macropores in the scaffolds were interconnect, and the addition of drug had little effect on the morphology of scaffolds. When the drug was at 10 wt%, the porosity and mechnical strength of scaffolds were deteriorated. The dosage of epimedium in scaffolds exhibits an significant influence on weight loss of scaffolds and release kenitics of epimedium. Within the limits of our study, 5 wt% epimedium loaded scaffolds might be suitable for bone tissue engineering application.