Precise copper ion release and recovery in polycaprolactone nanofiber scaffold: an antibacterial and osteogenic synergistic strategy for guided bone regeneration

IntroductionInfection control and bone regeneration remain major challenges in orthopedic therapy. To address these issues, we developed a multifunctional guided bone regeneration (GBR) nanofibrous material based on electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL). This material combines antibacterial and osteoge...

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Main Authors: Tongbin Liu, Akram Hassan, Matheel Zohair Yousif Alrawas, Caiyun Cui, Zaihan Ariffin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-08-01
Series:Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcell.2025.1650537/full
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author Tongbin Liu
Tongbin Liu
Akram Hassan
Matheel Zohair Yousif Alrawas
Caiyun Cui
Zaihan Ariffin
author_facet Tongbin Liu
Tongbin Liu
Akram Hassan
Matheel Zohair Yousif Alrawas
Caiyun Cui
Zaihan Ariffin
author_sort Tongbin Liu
collection DOAJ
description IntroductionInfection control and bone regeneration remain major challenges in orthopedic therapy. To address these issues, we developed a multifunctional guided bone regeneration (GBR) nanofibrous material based on electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL). This material combines antibacterial and osteogenic properties using polydopamine (PDA) and copper ions (CuCu2+).MethodsPCL nanofibers were produced via electrospinning, and Cu2+ ions were introduced through PDA-mediated surface modification to enable pH-responsive binding and controlled release. The material’s physicochemical properties were evaluated through structural analysis, mechanical testing, and release kinetics. Biological performance was tested using antibacterial assays and osteoblast (MC3T3-E1) cell cultures, including assessments of cell proliferation and key osteogenic gene expression (Runx2, Osx, ALP, OCN).ResultsThe PCL-PDA-Cu composite showed strong structural integrity and mechanical stability. At a Cu2+ concentration of 0.1 M, it demonstrated: 1) strong antibacterial activity; 2) improved osteoblast proliferation; and 3) increased expression of osteogenic genes. The pH-dependent release system maintained effective Cu2+ levels while reducing cytotoxicity.DiscussionBy integrating PDA-mediated Cu2+ coordination with PCL nanofibers, we created a multifunctional platform that balances antimicrobial defense and bone regeneration. This controlled ion delivery strategy shows great promise for bone tissue engineering, especially in infection-prone environments.
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spelling doaj-art-a2aa4000ff374ee69918ddfb01e755ae2025-08-20T04:00:48ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology2296-634X2025-08-011310.3389/fcell.2025.16505371650537Precise copper ion release and recovery in polycaprolactone nanofiber scaffold: an antibacterial and osteogenic synergistic strategy for guided bone regenerationTongbin Liu0Tongbin Liu1Akram Hassan2Matheel Zohair Yousif Alrawas3Caiyun Cui4Zaihan Ariffin5School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, MalaysiaSchool of Stomatology, Qilu Medical University, Zibo City, Shandong, ChinaSchool of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, MalaysiaSchool of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, MalaysiaDepartment of Stomatology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, ChinaSchool of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, MalaysiaIntroductionInfection control and bone regeneration remain major challenges in orthopedic therapy. To address these issues, we developed a multifunctional guided bone regeneration (GBR) nanofibrous material based on electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL). This material combines antibacterial and osteogenic properties using polydopamine (PDA) and copper ions (CuCu2+).MethodsPCL nanofibers were produced via electrospinning, and Cu2+ ions were introduced through PDA-mediated surface modification to enable pH-responsive binding and controlled release. The material’s physicochemical properties were evaluated through structural analysis, mechanical testing, and release kinetics. Biological performance was tested using antibacterial assays and osteoblast (MC3T3-E1) cell cultures, including assessments of cell proliferation and key osteogenic gene expression (Runx2, Osx, ALP, OCN).ResultsThe PCL-PDA-Cu composite showed strong structural integrity and mechanical stability. At a Cu2+ concentration of 0.1 M, it demonstrated: 1) strong antibacterial activity; 2) improved osteoblast proliferation; and 3) increased expression of osteogenic genes. The pH-dependent release system maintained effective Cu2+ levels while reducing cytotoxicity.DiscussionBy integrating PDA-mediated Cu2+ coordination with PCL nanofibers, we created a multifunctional platform that balances antimicrobial defense and bone regeneration. This controlled ion delivery strategy shows great promise for bone tissue engineering, especially in infection-prone environments.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcell.2025.1650537/fullelectrospinningpolycaprolactonepolydopaminecopper ionsantibacterial propertiesosteogenesis
spellingShingle Tongbin Liu
Tongbin Liu
Akram Hassan
Matheel Zohair Yousif Alrawas
Caiyun Cui
Zaihan Ariffin
Precise copper ion release and recovery in polycaprolactone nanofiber scaffold: an antibacterial and osteogenic synergistic strategy for guided bone regeneration
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
electrospinning
polycaprolactone
polydopamine
copper ions
antibacterial properties
osteogenesis
title Precise copper ion release and recovery in polycaprolactone nanofiber scaffold: an antibacterial and osteogenic synergistic strategy for guided bone regeneration
title_full Precise copper ion release and recovery in polycaprolactone nanofiber scaffold: an antibacterial and osteogenic synergistic strategy for guided bone regeneration
title_fullStr Precise copper ion release and recovery in polycaprolactone nanofiber scaffold: an antibacterial and osteogenic synergistic strategy for guided bone regeneration
title_full_unstemmed Precise copper ion release and recovery in polycaprolactone nanofiber scaffold: an antibacterial and osteogenic synergistic strategy for guided bone regeneration
title_short Precise copper ion release and recovery in polycaprolactone nanofiber scaffold: an antibacterial and osteogenic synergistic strategy for guided bone regeneration
title_sort precise copper ion release and recovery in polycaprolactone nanofiber scaffold an antibacterial and osteogenic synergistic strategy for guided bone regeneration
topic electrospinning
polycaprolactone
polydopamine
copper ions
antibacterial properties
osteogenesis
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcell.2025.1650537/full
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