A gelatin composite scaffold strengthened by drug-loaded halloysite nanotubes

•Halloysite nanotubes were used to strengthen a gelatin scaffold.•The mechanical properties of the gelatin scaffold were enhanced significantly.•Long-time drug release to fight infection and pain.•The obtained composite scaffold was suitable for bone treatment.

Mechanical properties and anti-infection are two of the most concerned issues for artificial bone grafting materials. Bone regeneration porous scaffolds with sustained drug release were developed by freeze-drying the mixture of nanosized drug-loaded halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and gelatin. The scaffolds showed porous structure and excellent biocompatibility. The mechanical properties of the obtained composite scaffolds were enhanced significantly by HNTs to > 300%, comparing to those of gelatin scaffold, and match to those of natural cancellous bones. The ibuprofen-loaded HNTs incorporated in the scaffolds allowed extended drug release over 100 h, comparing to 8 h when directly mixed the drug into the gelatin scaffold. The biological properties of the composite scaffolds were investigated by culturing MG63 cells on them. The HNTs/gelatin scaffolds with excellent mechanical properties and sustained drug release could be a promising artificial bone grating material.

Graphical abstractThe addition of HNT can strengthen the gelatin scaffold obviously, and provide a persistent drug release.Download high-res image (153KB)Download full-size image