The Preparation of Dentin Matrix-Polycaprolactone Drug Carrier Scaffold and Its Application in Promoting Bone Formation

Background and objective The bioactivity of natural plant extracts, such as Chinese herbal medicines, is often limited by their poor water solubility. Therefore, selecting an appropriate drug carrier is crucial for exerting the pharmacological effects of these medicines. This study aimed to fabricate a dentin matrix-polycaprolactone (DM-PCL) drug carrier scaffold and evaluate its effects on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts, thereby providing experimental support for subsequent drug loading applications. Methodology The DM-PCL carrier scaffold was constructed using electrospinning technology, and its surface morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Osteoblasts were cultured in vitro, and the osteogenic effects of the DM-PCL scaffold were compared with those of a pure PCL scaffold through CCK-8 cell proliferation assay, live/dead cell staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, cytoskeleton staining, and analysis of Runx2 mRNA expression levels. Results CCK-8 assay and live/dead staining showed that the DM-PCL drug carrier scaffold significantly promoted osteoblast proliferation (p<0.05). ALP activity detection indicated that the scaffold also enhanced early osteogenic differentiation (p>0.05). Phalloidin staining revealed a higher number of cells in the DM-PCL group, with adequate cell spreading and slightly clearer intracellular network structure and actin arrangement compared to the PCL group. Conclusions Based on our findings, the DM-PCL drug carrier scaffold can promote the adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of osteoblasts.