Owing to the excellent osteoconductive property of hydroxyapatite, we aimed to design a cephalexin monohydrate-loaded PLA:PVA/HAP:TiO 2 nanofibrous scaffold to improve the drug delivery efficiency toward bone regenerative applications. In this study, HAP:TiO 2 (anatase and rutile phases) samples were prepared by a coprecipitation method, which were later blended with PLA:PVA polymeric solution (with and without the drug) to fabricate a nanofibrous matrix via the electrospinning technique. All the prepared samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, porosity, and tensile strength tests. Further, in vitro biodegradation and the drug-releasing ability were examined by varying the concentration of cephalexin monohydrate in the composite matrix. Deposition of the apatite layer on the scaffolds was examined after incubation in simulated body fluid solution to confirm the bioactivity of the prepared nanofibers. Biocompatibility by the MTT assay and osteogenic differentiation by ARS staining were evaluated by culturing MG63 cells on PLA:PVA/HAP:TiO 2 nanofibers, which could ensue better support for cell proliferation. Consequently, the sustained release profile and better biocompatibility of the scaffolds revealed a strong potential use in bone regenerative applications.
■ HIGHLIGHTS• Antibiotic drug-embedded anatase-and rutile-phase TiO 2 /HAP nanofibrous scaffolds were successfully fabricated using an electrospinning technique. • Antibiotic drug CEM-loaded PLA:PVA/HAP:TiO 2 electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds revealed a better sustained release and antibacterial efficacy, and osteogenic differentiation was examined by ARS staining. • The mechanical study, hemocompatibility assay, and cell viability assessment were compared and interpreted for effective use of the prepared nanofibers in bone regenerative applications. • The incorporation of CEM in spinning solution forms strong covalent linkages that can enhance better releasing progress than the scaffolds loaded via physical adsorption.