Hierarchical Integration of Curcumin-Loaded CaCO3 Nanoparticles and Black Phosphorus Nanosheets in Core/Shell Nanofiber for Cranial Defect Repair.

Abstract

Reconstruction and healing of large craniofacial bone defects are major clinical challenges due to high risk of chronic inflammation and reduced cell mineralization levels. Herein, a core-shell nanofiber-based implant with significant pro-osteogenesis capability for treating skull defects is reported, which is hierarchically integrated with curcumin-loaded calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CaCO3@Cur NPs) in the outer layers and black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) in the core compartments. The radical alignment of the integrated nanocomponents allows the sequential in situ release of the therapeutic agents in a controlled manner after implantation. Curcumin can repolarize M1 macrophages into M2 phenotypes for anti-inflammation purposes. Meanwhile, the released calcium and phosphate ions can promote the biomineralization of hydroxyapatite at the defect site and facilitate bone regeneration. Evaluations on cranial defect-bearing rat models demonstrated that the electrospun fibers in the present study substantially promoted restoration of the damaged skulls and inhibited inflammation in the wound bed. This strategy provides a new idea for the treatment of skull defects in the clinic.