Abstract
Bone scaffolds mimicking the three-dimensional bone structure are of essential importance for bone regeneration. The aim of this study was to develop and optimize the production method of highly macroporous bone scaffold composed of polysaccharide matrix (chitosan–agarose) reinforced with nanohydroxyapatite. The highly macroporous structure was obtained by the simultaneous application of a gas-foaming agent and freeze-drying technique. Fabricated variants of biomaterials (produced using different gas-foaming agent and solvent concentrations) were subjected to porosity evaluation and compression test in order to select the scaffold with the best properties. Then, bioactivity, cytotoxicity, and cell growth on the surface of the selected biomaterial were assessed. The obtained results showed that the simultaneous application of gas-foaming and freeze-drying methods allows for the production of biomaterials characterized by high total and open porosity. It was proved that the best porosity is obtained when solvent (CH3COOH) and foaming agent (NaHCO3) are applied at ratio 1:1. Nevertheless, the high porosity of novel biomaterial decreases its mechanical strength as determined by compression test. Importantly, novel scaffold is non-toxic to osteoblasts and favors cell attachment and growth on its surface. All mentioned properties make the novel biomaterial a promising candidate to be used in regenerative medicine in non-load bearing implantation sites.
Highlights
Over recent decades, there has been a growing interest in bone tissue engineering as an alternative strategy to regenerative medicine
Biomaterials used in bone tissue engineering should exhibit a microstructure mimicking highly porous and three-dimensional
Typical tissue engineered products (TEPs) are composed of a 3D porous scaffold which is often loaded with stem cells and/or growth factors [3,4,5]
Summary
There has been a growing interest in bone tissue engineering as an alternative strategy to regenerative medicine. Scaffolds for bone regeneration should possess appropriate structural features (e.g., surface topography, mechanical properties, high porosity) and biological requirements (e.g., non-toxicity, biocompatibility, bioactivity, biodegradability). Biomaterials used in bone tissue engineering should exhibit a microstructure mimicking highly porous and three-dimensional (3D) bone structure, which is essential for acceleration of the regeneration process and implant vascularization [1,2,3]. Typical tissue engineered products (TEPs) are composed of a 3D porous scaffold which is often loaded with stem cells and/or growth factors [3,4,5]. The porous structure of the scaffold is a critical feature because it ensures space for migration and proliferation of the cells, vascular ingrowth, as well as good oxygenation, nutrient diffusion and waste products elimination [3,6,7].
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