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Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is a multidisciplinary approach intending to treat bone abnormalities by using a porous polymer matrix that has the capacity to host cells, promote proliferation and continuously release drugs/growth factors to enhance bone regeneration. This study fabricated a 3D porous scaffold releasing kaempferol with varying concentrations of kaempferol-entrapped albumin nanoparticles (KaeNP) and polycaprolactone (PCL). The morphology of scaffolds was studied to ensure porous structures and the results revealed that the diameter of pores ranged between 50 μm–300 μm which is essential for cell penetration and angiogenesis. Further, X-ray diffraction analysis revealed amorphized form of kaempferol in scaffolds which is beneficial for delivering drugs, as it enhances dissolution. It was observed that kaempferol was controlled released for a period of 20 days. Moreover, the release of kaempferol from scaffolds implies that the concentration of KaeNP alters drug release. In vitroanalysis with Human osteoblasts revealed the scaffolds were not toxic and had significant osteogenic potential by virtue of enhancing alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization. In summary, these scaffolds possessing high osteogenic potential by virtue of controlled kaempferol release will be highly desired for bone tissue engineering.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a plant polyphenol catechin is potent chondrogenic drug which enhances cartilage regeneration. Hence, sustained release of EGCG from interlinked porous polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds can be beneficial in engineering a cartilage construct. In this study, 10% (w/v) and 12% (w/v) PCL scaffold were fabricated by incorporation of 2 different concentrations (1 mg/ml & 2 mg/ml) of EGCG loaded albumin nanoparticles (ENP). Morphological analysis of the fabricated scaffolds with Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) revealed interlinked porous structures (pore size range 50 μm–300 μm) with embedded ENP on the scaffolds surface. In addition, the ENP synthesized by desolvation technique were spherical in shape with diameters in the range of 110 nm–210 nm. Further, X-ray diffraction of ENP and scaffolds implied amorphization of EGCG which is highly preferred in drug delivery application. Moreover, spectroscopic analysis with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectrophotometry confirmed incorporation of ENP into scaffolds and chemical stability of PCL and EGCG during fabrication. Importantly, all groups showed sustained release for 22 days and non fickian diffusion through scaffolds. The drug release data also inferred that the concentration of ENP modulated EGCG release from scaffolds. Furthermore, in vitrochondrogenic study with Human chondrocytes for 21 days revealed significant increase in glycosaminoglycan deposition under the influence of EGCG. All these results suggest that ENP loaded polycaprolactone scaffolds, with intrinsic ability for releasing EGCG in a sustained fashion can serve as a prospective matrix in cartilage engineering.