A new multifunctional monticellite-ciprofloxacin scaffold: Preparation, bioactivity, biocompatibility, and antibacterial properties

This work prepared novel monticellite-ciprofloxacin (Mon-CPFX) scaffolds with different concentrations of CPFX (0, 1, 3, and 6%) via the space holder method. The Mon-CPFX scaffolds had a compressive strength of 1 +/- 0.1 MPa, porosity of 81-83%, and pore size of 300-420 mu m. The formation of hydroxyapatite on the Mon-CPFX scaffold surfaces was observed after soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for 28 d, with a Ca/P atomic ratio of 1.62 indicating high apatite formation ability. Antibacterial tests indicated the antibacterial effect of Mon-CPFX scaffolds is strongly related to the CPFX concentration; the greatest bacterial inhibition was observed for the scaffold containing 6% CPFX. Furthermore, an MTT assay illustrated that Mon scaffold loading with up to 3% CPFX resulted in higher cell viability, cell proliferation, and attachment than for scaffolds containing 6% CPFX. This particular novel type of multifunctional Mon-CPFX scaffold could be considered for bone infection treatment owing to its suitable compressive strength along with excellent bioactivity, antibacterial performance, and biocompatibility.