Fabrication of bioactive glass containing nanocomposite fiber mats for bone tissue engineering applications

Abstract

This study mainly focuses on fabricating nanocomposite fibrous mats for bone tissue engineering. For this purpose, strontium or copper doped bioactive glass particles were successfully incorporated into gelatin/poly(ε-caprolactone) (Gt/PCL) nanofibers through electrospinning process. As the content of bioactive glass increased, the average diameter of the as-spun nanocomposite fiber mats rised. It was further observed that the in vitro bioactivity of the fiber mats enhanced with the inclusion of BG particles into the polymeric matrix. In addition, the release of therapeutic ions were determined as a function of immersion time in SBF, which was in the range of 5.4–10.1mg/g scaffold and 0.34–1.87mg/g scaffold for strontium and copper ions, respectively. Although the results were promising, the amount of SrO and CuO in the composition of bioactive glasses can be increased to improve the osteogenic, angiogenic, and antibacterial potential of the nanocomposite fiber mats. Hence, this study provides an insight for future researchers who aim to create nanocomposite materials as multifunctional scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.