A PVA-PCL Bioglass Composite with Potential Implications for Osteochondral Tissue Engineering

Abstract

AbstractA bioglass of composition SiO2 (67.12 mol%), CaO (28.5 mol%), and P2O5 (4.38%) was synthesized and stabilized by a novel technique using ethanol. Bioactive glasses have a wide range of application in the field of biomaterials promoting bone bonding as well as bonding to soft tissue. Earlier our lab developed a novel PVA-PCL semi IPN porous and 3D scaffold that was found to favor chondrogenesis. In the present study, a composite of this polymer and bioglass is prepared by an emulsion freeze-drying process, as a porous 3 dimensional scaffold. The scaffolds were characterized for their physiochemical properties and ability to support cartilage tissue regeneration. The composite scaffolds were observed to be non-cytotoxic. The chondrocytes cells cultured in vitro for a month on the composite scaffolds regenerate cartilaginous tissue, secreting GAGs and collagen in amounts nearly comparable to the amounts on the control PVA-PCL scaffold. The composite scaffold is also biomimetic and bioactive and favors mineralization by forming a hydroxycarbonate apatite layer, when immersed in simulated body fluid for a 14 day period. The PVA-PCL-bioglass composite is hence expected to have potential implications as a scaffold for osteochondral tissue engineering.