Effect of biological/physical stimulation on guided bone regeneration through asymmetrically porous membrane

Asymmetrically porous polycaprolactone (PCL)/Pluronic F127 guided bone regeneration (GBR) membranes were fabricated. The top surface of the membrane had nanosize pores (～10 nm) which can effectively prevent invasion by fibrous connective tissue but permeate nutrients, whereas the bottom surface had microsize pores (～200 μm) which can enhance the adhesiveness with bone tissue. Ultrasound was applied to a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2)-immobilized PCL/F127 GBR membrane to investigate the feasibility of using dual biological (BMP-2) and physical (ultrasound) stimulation for enhancing bone regeneration through the membrane. In an animal study using SD rats (cranial defect model), the bone regeneration behavior that occurred when using BMP-2-loaded GBR membranes with ultrasound treatment (GBR/BMP-2/US) was much faster than when the same GBR membrane was used without the ultrasound treatment (GBR/BMP-2), as well as when GBR membranes were used without stimulations (GBR). The enhanced bone regeneration of the GBR/BMP-2/US group can be interpreted as resulting from the synergistic or additive effect of the asymmetrically porous PCL/F127 membrane with unique properties (selective permeability, hydrophilicity, and osteoconductivity) and the stimulatory effects of BMP-2 and ultrasound (osteoinductivity). The asymmetrically porous GBR membrane with dual BMP-2 and ultrasound stimulation may be promising for the clinical treatment of delayed and insufficient bone healing.     

Enhanced osteogenesis and angiogenesis by PCL/chitosan/Sr-doped calcium phosphate electrospun nanocomposite membrane for guided bone regeneration

Abstract

Membranes play pivotal role in guided bone regeneration (GBR) technique for reconstruction alveolar bone. GBR membrane that is able to stimulate both osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation of cells may be more effective in clinic practice. Herein, we fabricated the Sr-doped calcium phosphate/polycaprolactone/chitosan (Sr-CaP/PCL/CS) nanohybrid fibrous membrane by incorporating 20?wt% bioactive Sr-CaP nanoparticles into PCL/CS matrix via one-step electrospinning method, in order to endow the membrane with stimulation of osteogenesis and angiogenesis. The physicochemical properties, mechanical properties, Sr²⁺ release behavior, and the membrane stimulate bone mesenchymal stem cell (BMSCs) differentiation were evaluated in comparison with PCL/CS and CaP/PCL/CS membranes. The SEM images revealed that the nanocomposite membrane mimicked the extracellular matrix structure. The release curve presented a 28-day long continuous release of Sr²⁺ and concentration which was certified in an optimal range for positive biological effects at each timepoint. The in vitro cell culture experiments certified that the Sr-CaP/PCL/CS membrane enjoyed excellent biocompatibility and remarkably promoted rat bone mesenchymal stem cell (BMSCs) adhesion and proliferation. In terms of osteogenic differentiation, BMSCs seeded on the Sr-CaP/PCL/CS membrane showed a higher ALP activity level and a better matrix mineralization. What’s more, the synergism of the Sr²⁺ and CaP from the Sr-CaP/PCL/CS membrane enhanced BMSCs angiogenic differentiation, herein resulting in the largest VEGF secretion amount. Consequently, the Sr-CaP/PCL/CS nanohybrid electrospun membrane has promising applications in GBR.     

Nanostructured poly(ε-caprolactone)–silica xerogel fibrous membrane for guided bone regeneration

A novel fibrous membrane was developed for guided bone regeneration (GBR) through electrospinning a uniform poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)–silica hybrid sol. The membrane was composed of fibers with a mean diameter of approximately 400 nm. The hybrid fibers were nano-sized with uniform patterns throughout the fibers, in contrast to the homogeneous structure of pure PCL fibers. The tensile strengths and elastic moduli of the membranes were significantly enhanced with increasing silica content up to 40%. The surfaces of the hybrid membranes were highly hydrophilic with a water contact angle of almost zero. The hybrid membranes possessed excellent in vitro cellular responses in terms of proliferation and differentiation of pre-osteoblast cells. The in vivo animal tests not only confirmed excellent biocompatibility but also revealed bioresorbability of the membranes. These mechanical and biomedical properties make the hybrid membranes very attractive as GBR applications.     

Hydrophilized polycaprolactone nanofiber mesh-embedded poly(glycolic-co-lactic acid) membrane for effective guided bone regeneration

A novel guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane was fabricated by an immersion precipitation of poly (glycolic-co-lactic acid) (PLGA)/Pluronic F127 solution impregnated in an electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL)/Tween 80 nanofiber mesh. The prepared PCL/Tween 80 nanofiber mesh-embedded PLGA/Pluronic F127 membrane (hydrophilized PCL/PLGA hybrid membrane) had nano-size pores on the top side (which can prevent from fibrous connective tissue infiltration but allow permeation of oxygen and nutrients) and micro-size pores on the bottom side (which can improve adhesiveness with bone). From the comparisons of mechanical properties (tensile and suture pullout strengths), model nutrient (FITC-labeled bovine serum albumin) permeability, and bone regeneration behavior using a rat model (skull bone defect) of the hybrid membrane with those of PLGA/Pluronic F127 membrane (asymmetrically porous, hydrophilized PLGA membrane), PCL/Tween 80 nanofiber mesh (electrospun, hydrophilized PCL nanofiber mesh), and a commercialized GBR membrane, Bio-Gide (collagen type I/III membrane), it was observed that the PCL/PLGA hybrid membrane seems to be highly desirable as a GBR membrane for the selective permeability caused by its unique morphology and osteoconductivity provided by several tens micro-size pores of the bottom side as well as the excellent mechanical strengths by the hybridization of porous PLGA membrane and PCL nanofiber mesh.     

Drug loaded homogeneous electrospun PCL/gelatin hybrid nanofiber structures for anti-infective tissue regeneration membranes

Infection is the major reason for guided tissue regeneration/guided bone regeneration (GTR/GBR) membrane failure in clinical application. In this work, we developed GTR/GBR membranes with localized drug delivery function to prevent infection by electrospinning of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and gelatin blended with metronidazole (MNA). Acetic acid (HAc) was introduced to improve the miscibility of PCL and gelatin to fabricate homogeneous hybrid nanofiber membranes. The effects of the addition of HAc and the MNA content (0, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt.% of polymer) on the properties of the membranes were investigated. The membranes showed good mechanical properties, appropriate biodegradation rate and barrier function. The controlled and sustained release of MNA from the membranes significantly prevented the colonization of anaerobic bacteria. Cells could adhere to and proliferate on the membranes without cytotoxicity until the MNA content reached 30%. Subcutaneous implantation in rabbits for 8 months demonstrated that MNA-loaded membranes evoked a less severe inflammatory response depending on the dose of MNA than bare membranes. The biodegradation time of the membranes was appropriate for tissue regeneration. These results indicated the potential for using MNA-loaded PCL/gelatin electrospun membranes as anti-infective GTR/GBR membranes to optimize clinical application of GTR/GBR strategies.     

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of a nHA/PA66 Composite Membrane for Guided Bone Regeneration

A nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (nHA/PA66) composite with good bioactivity and osteoconductivity is employed to develop a novel porous membrane with an asymmetric structure. In order to investigate the biocompatibility and the effect on guided bone regeneration (GBR) of nHA/PA66 porous membrane, the proliferation, viability, morphology and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) of the osteoblast-like cell line (MG63) cultured on the membrane were studied in vitro. In vivo biocompatibility and osteogenesis of the fabricated membrane were assessed by comparing guiding rats calvarial bone defects regeneration with "gold standard" GBR material, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) membrane. In vitro experiments showed that the nHA/PA66 composite membrane had good cell affinity and cytocompatibility, in favor of cell proliferation. The in vivo study showed that the nHA/PA66 asymmetric porous membrane had a good GBR effect. All the results indicate that the asymmetric porous nHA/PA66 composite GBR membrane with good biocompatibility, high bioactivity and osteoconductivity exhibits good GBR effect and has a potential to be applied in GBR fields, especially in dental tissue regeneration.     

Facile fabrication of aloe vera containing PCL nanofibers for barrier membrane application

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a widely used method in dental surgical procedures that utilizes a barrier membrane to exclude migration of epithelium and ensure repopulation of periodontal ligament cells at the sites having insufficient gingiva. Commercial GTR membranes are typically composed of synthetic polymers that have had mild clinical success mostly because of their lack of proper bioactivity and appropriate degradation profile. In this study, a natural polymer, aloe vera was blended with polycaprolactone (PCL) to create nanofibrous GTR membranes by electrospinning. Aloe vera has proven anti-inflammatory properties and enhances the regeneration of periodontium tissues. PCL, a synthetic polymer, is well known to produce miscible polyblends nanofibers with natural polymers. Nanofibrous membranes with varying composition of PCL to aloe vera were fabricated, and several physicochemical and biological properties, such as fiber morphology, wettability, chemical structure, mechanical strength, and cellular compatibility of the membranes were analyzed. PCL/aloe vera membranes with ratios from 100/00 to 70/30 showed good uniformity in fiber morphology and suitable mechanical properties, and retained the integrity of their fibrous structure in aqueous solutions. Experimental results, using cell viability assay and cell attachment observation, showed that the nanofibrous membranes support 3T3 cell viability and could be a potential candidate for GTR therapy.     

Asymmetrically porous PLGA/Pluronic F127 membrane for effective guided bone regeneration

Porous guided bone regeneration (GBR) membranes with selective permeability, hydrophilicity and adhesiveness to bone were prepared with PLGA and Pluronic F127 using an immersion precipitation method. The porous PLGA/Pluronic F127 membranes were fabricated by immersing the PLGA/Pluronic F127 mixture solution (in tetraglycol) in a mold into water. The PLGA/Pluronic F127 mixture was precipitated in water by the diffusion of water into PLGA/Pluronic F127 mixture solution. It was observed that the membrane has an asymmetric column-shape porous structure. The top surface of the membrane (water contact side) had nano-size pores (approx. 50 nm) which can effectively prevent from fibrous connective tissue invasion but permeate nutrients, while the bottom surface (mold contact size) had micro-size pores (approx. 40 microm) which can improve adhesiveness with bone. From the investigations of mechanical property, water absorbability, model nutrient permeability and preliminary in vivo bone regeneration, the hydrophilized porous PLGA/F127 (5 wt%) membrane seems to be a good candidate as a GBR membrane for the effective permeation of nutrients and osteoconductivity, as well as good mechanical strength to maintain a secluded space for bone regeneration.     

Banded Spherulitic Morphology in Blends of Poly (propylene fumarate) and Poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) and Interaction with MC3T3‐E1 Cells

The thermal properties, morphological development, crystallization behavior, and miscibility of semicrystalline PCL and its 25, 50, and 75 wt% blends with amorphous PPF in spin‐coated thin films crystallized at various crystallization temperatures (T_c) from 25 to 52 °C are investigated. The surface roughness of PPF/PCL (?_PCL = 75%) films increases with increasing T_c and consequently the adsorption of serum proteins is also increased. No significant variance is found in surface hydrophilicity or in mouse MC3T3‐E1 cell attachment, spreading, and proliferation on PPF/PCL (?_PCL = 75%) films crystallized isothermally at 25, 37, and 45 °C, because of low ridge height, nonuniformity in structures, and PPF surface segregation.     

Fabrication and characterization of novel nano- and micro-HA/PCL composite scaffolds using a modified rapid prototyping process

Novel three-dimensional scaffolds consisting of nano- and microsized hydroxyapatite (HA)/poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) composite were fabricated using a modified rapid-prototyping (RP) technique for bone tissue engineering applications. The size of the nano-HA ranged from 20 to 90 nm, whereas that of the micro-HA ranged from 20 to 80 microm. The scaffold macropores were well interconnected, with a porosity of 72-73% and a pore size of 500 microm. The compressive modulus of the nano-HA/PCL and micro-HA/PCL scaffolds was 3.187 +/- 0.06 and 1.345 +/- 0.05 MPa, respectively. The higher modulus of the nano-HA/PCL composite (n-HPC) was to be likely caused by a dispersion strengthening effect. The attachment and proliferation of MG-63 cells on n-HPC were better than that on the micro-HA/PCL composite (m-HPC) scaffold. The n-HPC was more hydrophilic than the m-HPC because of the greater surface area of HA exposed to the scaffold surface. This may give rise to better cell attachment and proliferation. Bioactive n-HA/PCL composite scaffold prepared using a modified RP technique has a potential application in bone tissue engineering.     

Bioactivity and mechanical properties of collagen composite membranes reinforced by chitosan and β-tricalcium phosphate

In this study, we analyzed the effects of varying concentrations of chitosan (CS) and β-tricalcium phosphate [β-TCP, Ca(3) (PO(4) )(2) ] on the mechanical and cell-adhesion properties of a collagen (CG) matrix for use in guided bone regeneration (GBR). Three different CS concentrations (0.5, 1, and 2%) and five different contents of β-TCP (0, 17, 29, 38, and 44%) were investigated. The composite membranes were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and cell-adhesion, flexural-strength, and tear-strength assays. The results show that the cell-adhesion and mechanical properties of the composite membranes improved with increasing β-TCP and CS contents, yielding suitable levels of the adhesion of cells and adequate mechanical stability to ensure successful GBR. The CS adhered to the microsized β-TCP, which was distributed uniformly in the composite membranes. The β-TCP and CS have no negative effect on the cell morphology, viability, and proliferation and possess good biocompatibility. This study demonstrates that β-TCP/CS/CG composite membranes are good candidates for GBR membranes in future applications. ? 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.     

Asymmetrically porous PLGA/Pluronic F127 membrane for effective guided bone regeneration

Porous guided bone regeneration (GBR) membranes with selective permeability, hydrophilicity and adhesiveness to bone were prepared with PLGA and Pluronic F127 using an immersion precipitation method. The porous PLGA/Pluronic F127 membranes were fabricated by immersing the PLGA/Pluronic F127 mixture solution (in tetraglycol) in a mold into water. The PLGA/Pluronic F127 mixture was precipitated in water by the diffusion of water into PLGA/Pluronic F127 mixture solution. It was observed that the membrane has an asymmetric column-shape porous structure. The top surface of the membrane (water contact side) had nano-size pores (approx. 50 nm) which can effectively prevent from fibrous connective tissue invasion but permeate nutrients, while the bottom surface (mold contact size) had micro-size pores (approx. 40 μm) which can improve adhesiveness with bone. From the investigations of mechanical property, water absorbability, model nutrient permeability and preliminary in vivo bone regeneration, the hydrophilized porous PLGA/F127 (5 wt%) membrane seems to be a good candidate as a GBR membrane for the effective permeation of nutrients and osteoconductivity, as well as good mechanical strength to maintain a secluded space for bone regeneration.     

Preparation and preliminary in vitro evaluation of a bFGF-releasing heparin-conjugated poly(ε-caprolactone) membrane for guided bone regeneration

In an effort to improve guided bone regeneration (GBR), we successfully fabricated a novel basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-releasing heparin-conjugated poly(ε-caprolactone) membrane (hep-PCL/bFGF). This material has a porous microstructure with smooth and rough pore walls before and after heparinization, respectively. Our FTIR analyses indicated that chemical bonds were formed between PCL and heparin with a new amide C=O band at 1660 cm^?1 and a band at 3400 cm^?1 that can be attributed to –OH stretching in cross-linked heparin. We showed that bFGF was released from hep-PCL/bFGF in a continuous pattern, which remained for 3 weeks. We evaluated MG63 cell proliferation and biocompatibility of GBR membrane by a CCK-8 assay and a live/dead assay. The CCK-8 results revealed that the hep-PCL/bFGF group had superiority compared to other groups. Furthermore, cell morphology of hep-PCL membrane exhibited larger projected areas than those of PCL surfaces based on scanning electron microscopy analysis and immunofluorescent staining of cell cytoskeleton and vinculin expression. Our alkaline phosphatase activity assay also confirmed better performance of the hep-PCL/bFGF group. These results suggested that this novel hep-PCL/bFGF membrane is suitable for osteoblast-like cells to attach, proliferate, and differentiate. Therefore, the hep-PCL/bFGF membrane has potential to be a biodegradable membrane for GBR and warrants further investigation.     

Enhanced Guided Bone Regeneration by Asymmetrically Porous PCL/Pluronic F127 Membrane and Ultrasound Stimulation

Abstract

Recently, we developed a novel method for fabricating a guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane with an asymmetrical pore structure and hydrophilicity by an immersion precipitation method. Results from an animal study, in a cranial defect model in rats, indicated that the unique asymmetrically porous GBR membrane would provide a good environment for bone regeneration. In the present study, we applied low intensity pulsed ultrasound as a simple and non-invasive stimulus to an asymmetrically porous polycaprolactone (PCL)/Pluronic F127 GBR membrane-implanted site transcutaneously in rats to investigate the feasibility of using ultrasound to stimulate enhanced bone regeneration through the membrane. It was observed that the ultrasound-stimulated PCL/F127 GBR membrane group had much faster bone regeneration behavior than a PCL/F127 membrane group w/o ultrasound or a control group (w/o membrane and ultrasound). The greater bone regeneration behavior in the GBR membrane/ultrasound group may be caused by a synergistic effect of the asymmetrically porous PCL/F127 membrane with unique properties (selective permeability, hydrophilicity and osteoconductivity), and the stimulatory effect of ultrasound (induction of angiogenesis and osteogenesis of cells).     

Molded porous poly (L-lactide) membranes for guided bone regeneration with enhanced effects by controlled growth factor release

The aim of this study was to develop platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) loaded moldable porous poly (L-lactide) (PLLA)-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) membranes for guided bone regeneration (GBR) therapy. The membranes were designed to fit various types of bone defect sites. PDGF-BB-dissolved PLLA-TCP in methylene chloride-ethyl acetate solution was cast on a dome shaped metallic mold to fabricate a model membrane. The release rate of PDGF-BB, the osteoblast attachment test, and guided bone regeneration potential were evaluated with PDGF-BB-loaded PLLA-TCP membranes. Regular pores were generated throughout the membrane mainly due to phase inversion of PLLA-methylene chloride-ethyl acetate solution. A therapeutic amount of PDGF-BB was released from the membrane. The release rate could be controlled by varying the initial loading content of PDGF-BB. A significant amount of cells attached onto the PDGF-BB-loaded membrane rather than onto the unloaded membrane. Dome shaped bone formation was achieved in rabbit calvaria at 4 weeks. This indicated that restoration of bone defects to the bone's original shape can be made possible by using molded membranes, which guide bone regeneration along with providing sufficient spaces. Bone forming efficiency was increased remarkably due to PDGF-BB release from PLLA-TCP membranes. These results suggested that the PDGF-BB releasing molded PLLA-TCP membrane may potentially improve GBR efficiency in various types of bone defects.     

Three dimensional melt-deposition of polycaprolactone/bio-derived hydroxyapatite composite into scaffold for bone repair

In this study, three dimensional (3D) polycaprolactone/bio-derived hydroxyapatite (PCL/BHA) composite scaffolds were fabricated by using a melt-deposition system (MDS) for the applications in bone repair. PCL/BHA composites with BHA contents of 0, 10, 20, and 40% were successfully processed into 3D scaffolds by using MDS, while it was failed to fabricate PCL/BHA scaffold with BHA content of 60%. The scaffolds produced were demonstrated to possess the same structures as the predefined with highly uniform and completely interconnected pores. The compressive modulus and strength of the PCL/BHA scaffold increased from 27 to 56?MPa and from 1.9 to 4.5?MPa, respectively, as BHA content increased from 0 to 40%. The wettability of PCL/BHA composite scaffold was also improved with the increase of BHA content. Moreover, the PCL/BHA scaffolds fabricated by MDS showed satisfactory biocompatibility and were capable of being integrated with the surrounding host bone. This study shows the feasibility of fabricating 3D PCL/BHA composite scaffolds with favorable pore structures, mechanical properties, wettability and biocompatibility by using MDS and supports further research of developing novel PCL/BHA composite scaffolds with MDS for the applications in bone repair.     

Development of guided bone regeneration membrane composed of beta-tricalcium phosphate and poly (L-lactide-co-glycolide-co-epsilon-caprolactone) composites

To create biodegradable and thermoplastic materials for guided bone regeneration, GBR, and guided tissue regeneration, GTR, membranes, composites of beta-tricalcium phosphate, TCP, and biodegradable polyesters, poly (L-lactide-co-glycolide-co-epsilon-caprolactone), PLGC, and poly (L-lactide-co-epsilon-caprolactone), PLCL, were prepared by a heat-kneading method. The composites maintained thermoplasticity and mechanical strength by formation of a chemical interaction between Ca on TCP and C=O on the lactide segment of PLGC or PLCL. The composites also indicated composite effects in pH auto-regulation property and elongation of biodegradation period, e.g., the composites maintained their mechanical strength up to 12 weeks after soaking in both physiological and phosphate-buffered saline, and the period was sufficient time to use for GBR and GTR membranes. Animal tests for GBR indicated that the present composite membrane successfully regenerated beagles' mandible defects 10 x 10 x 10 mm3 in size. These results suggested that the TCP/PLGC bioresorbable composites could be utilized for GBR and GTR therapy.     

Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Nano-hydroxyapatite-Reinforced Aliphatic Polyurethanes Membranes

Polymer nano-composite membranes, based on aliphatic biodegradable polyurethane (PU) elastomers and nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA), were prepared by solvent casting and freeze-drying. The PU matrix was synthesized from 4,4′-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (H₁₂ MDI), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), castor oil (CO) and 1,4-butandiol (BDO). The n-HA/PU membranes were characterized by SEM, XRD, IR, TG, mechanical test and in vitro biocompatibility. The results revealed that incorporation of 30 wt% n-HA into the PU matrix increased the tensile strength nearly by 186% and the elongation-at-break by 107% compared to pure PU. The addition of n-HA had the slight positive effect on the thermal stability of PU. Cell culture and MTT assays showed that the incorporation of n-HA into the PU matrix provided a favourable environment for initial cell adhesion, maintained cell viability and cell proliferation. These results suggested that the n-HA/PU composite membrane might be a prospective biodegradable guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane for future applications.     

聚己内酯/丝胶蛋白静电混纺膜炎症响应的体内评价

背景：研究表明,丝胶蛋白可以增加哺乳动物细胞的增殖,促进伤口愈合,具有良好的抗菌、抗氧化、抗癌的活性,同时具有良好的生物相容性和可降解性,是一种理想的组织工程材料。然而目前对丝胶蛋白能否引起炎症响应仍存在争论。 目的：评价聚己内酯/丝胶蛋白静电混纺膜的炎症响应。 方法：将不同混合比例的聚己内酯/丝胶蛋白纳米纤维薄膜体内埋植入大鼠背部肌肉,4周后取出进行组织学观察,通过苏木精-伊红染色和巨噬细胞抗体CD68免疫组织化学染色评价其炎症响应。 结果与结论：聚己内酯/丝胶蛋白7∶3组混纺膜炎症反应与丝素蛋白膜类似,小于聚己内酯/丝胶蛋白6∶4组、聚己内酯/丝胶蛋白5∶5组和聚己内酯组;聚己内酯/丝胶蛋白6∶4组与聚己内酯/丝胶蛋白5∶5组与聚己内酯组类似。提示聚己内酯/丝胶蛋白静电混纺膜不会引起显著的炎症响应,少量添加丝胶蛋白可以降低聚己内酯的炎症反应,随着丝胶蛋白含量的增加,炎症反应呈上升趋势。     

Bioactivity improvement of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) membrane with the addition of nanofibrous bioactive glass

Nanofibrous glass with a bioactive composition was added to a degradable polymer poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) to produce a nanocomposite in thin membrane form (260 μm). The bioactivity and osteoblastic responses of the nanocomposite membrane were examined and compared with those of a pure PCL membrane. Glass nanofibers with diameters in the range of hundreds of nanometers were added to a PCL solution at 20 wt.%, and the mixture was stirred vigorously and air dried. The obtained nanocomposite membrane showed that many chopped glass nanofibers formed by the mixing step were embedded uniformly into the PCL matrix. The nanocomposite membrane induced the rapid formation of apatite-like minerals on the surface when immersed in a simulated body fluid. Murine-derived osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) grew actively over the nanocomposite membrane with cell viability significantly improved compared with those on the pure PCL membrane. Moreover, the osteoblastic activity, as assessed by the expression of alkaline phosphatase, was significantly higher on the nanocomposite membrane than on the pure PCL membrane. The currently developed nanocomposite of the bioactive glass-added PCL might find applications in the bone regeneration areas such as the guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane.