摘要：

In the present study, we developed a novel niosomal nanocarrier embedded into a collagen/β- tricalcium phosphate (Col/β-TCP) scaffold for the local delivery of thymol as a natural anti-bacterial reagent. The niosomal Col/β-TCP (N-Col/β-TCP) scaffolds with different weight ratios of β-TCP to Col were prepared by freeze-drying. The antimicrobial activities of the prepared samples againstEscherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, andStaphylococcus aureuswere assessed by agar diffusion method. The release profile of niosomal thymol from the optimized composite scaffolds showed a sustained profile where 66% of the loaded thymol was released over 30days. The compressive modulus of niosome added scaffolds with an equal ratio of β-TCP and Col was calculated as 972±1.3KPa. This scaffold showed significantly higher values of cell viability (as evaluated by an MTT assay) against L929 fibroblasts than a scaffold without niosomal thymol after 24 and 72h. Among synthesized samples, Col/β-TCP1showed the greatest effectiveness of anti-bacterial activity toward Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with higher activity against Gram-positive ones. The results of this study highlight the potential of niosomal-thymol loaded Col/β-TCP1scaffold as an anti-bacterial bone substitute for possible osteomyelitis treatment.

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