Silver Vanadate–Hydroxyapatite Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Enhanced Bone Regeneration and Infection Control in a Rat Tibial Defect Model

This study details the development of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds composed of hydroxyapatite (HAp), polycaprolactone (PCL), and silver vanadate (AgVO₃) to enhance bone regeneration. AgVO₃ and HAp were synthesized and integrated into PCL via electrospinning. The scaffolds were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle analysis, and antibacterial testing. A critical-size tibial defect (3 mm) was created in rats (n = 30), which were divided into three groups: control, HAp@PCL, and AgVO₃-HAp@PCL. Radiographic, histological, and histomorphometric assessments were conducted at 4- and 8-weeks postsurgery. The AgVO₃-HAp@PCL scaffolds exhibited improved hydrophilicity, homogeneous structure, and strong antibacterial activity. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), histological, and histomorphometry analyses revealed significantly greater bone density and organized trabecular formation in the AgVO₃-HAp@PCL group than in the other groups (p < 0.001). These results conclusively show that AgVO₃ boosts scaffold bioactivity and antibacterial function, highlighting AgVO₃-HAp@PCL as a strong candidate for bone regeneration in dental and orthopedic uses, even with a 0.15 mm thick single scaffold layer used in this study. This multifunctional scaffold may serve as a synthetic bone graft alternative in maxillofacial reconstruction and dental surgery, particularly where infection control is critical.