Release profile of oxytetracycline from a bioactive glass/polycaprolactone composite prepared using Phaeodactylum tricornutum

Purpose: To evaluate the drug release profile of oxytetracycline (OTC) incorporated into a bioactive glass/polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold. Methods: Bioactive glass/polycaprolactone composite was prepared by solvent casting technique at a ratio of bioactive glass: PCL 1:1 and 1:2, and OTC was added at equal concentrations. Drug release and degradability were tested by incubating the samples in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 6 hours and 28 days, respectively. The release profile was evaluated using an ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 268 nm. Drug incorporation was assessed by using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The bioactive glass: PCL delivery system developed with a 1:1 combination ratio released 25.58 % OTC after 6 hours in SBF, and with a cumulative weight loss of 15.73 % after 28 days. The bioactive glass: PCL prepared at 1:2 weight % released 18.49 % in 3 hours and displayed a sustained release profile while exhibiting a cumulative weight loss of 8.10 % after 28 days in SBF. Conclusion: The method reported in this study could be useful for fabricating a scaffold applicable in bone regeneration and having a controlled or sustained drug delivery capability.