Drug delivery and cytocompatibility of ciprofloxacin loaded gelatin nanofibers-coated Mg alloy

Abstract

In this study, gelatin-ciprofloxacin (Gel-Cip) nanofibers containing various amounts of Cip (0, 2, 4 and, 8 wt%) were fabricated on the surface of Mg-1Ca alloy via an electrospinning process. Microscopic characterization indicated a porous network structure with fiber diameters in the range of 150–170 nm. Prolonged drug release was attained from Gel-Cip nanofibers coating along with initial rapid drug release of around 20–22% during 12 h, followed by a slow release stage that can effectively control the infection. The incorporation of 2–4 wt% Cip into Gel nanofibers coating significantly increased the antibacterial performance and corrosion resistance of the uncoated Mg-Ca alloy without showing an inhibitory influence on the cytocompatibility characteristic. Hence, it is potentially appropriate as the novel electrospun nanofibers coating material for bone regeneration application.