Abstract
Composite scaffolds were obtained by mixing various amounts (10, 30 and 50 weight % [wt %]) of borosilicate bioactive glass and poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) copolymer. The composites were foamed using supercritical CO2. An increase in the glass content led to a decrease in the pore size and density. In vitro dissolution/reaction test was performed in simulated body fluid. As a function of immersion time, the solution pH increased due to the glass dissolution. This was further supported by the increasing amount of Ca in the immersing solution with increasing immersion time and glass content. Furthermore, the change in scaffold mass was significantly greater with increasing the glass content in the scaffold. However, only the scaffolds containing 30 and 50 wt % of glasses exhibited significant hydroxyapatite (HA) formation at 72 h of immersion. The compression strength of the samples was also measured. The Young’s modulus was similar for the 10 and 30 wt % glass-containing scaffolds whereas it increased to 90 MPa for the 50 wt % glass containing scaffold. Upon immersion up to 72 h, the Young’s modulus increased and then remained constant for longer immersion times. The scaffold prepared could have great potential for bone and cartilage regeneration.
Highlights
The challenge lies in developing materials and scaffold geometries meeting all requirements to be used as a 3D template for bone regeneration
We propose porous composite materials containing 10, 30 and 50 wt % of borosilicate bioactive glass powder embedded in a PLCL matrix
The polymer should allow for easy shaping and formation of pores adequate tissue ingrowth and vascularization, and theand bioactive glass should mechanical properties for tissue ingrowth and vascularization, the bioactive glassimprove should the improve the mechanical
Summary
The challenge lies in developing materials and scaffold geometries meeting all requirements to be used as a 3D template for bone regeneration. Would the materials be biocompatible, but they would trigger cells to proliferate and differentiate to support further bone/tissue growth. For bone regeneration, the scaffold should be at the minimum osteoconductive and at best osteoinductive. The scaffolds should be biodegradable and leave no residues behind after complete degradation. The rate of degradation should be compatible with the rate of tissue regeneration. The mechanical properties should be tailored in order to meet standards for load bearing applications. The pore size and density should be tailored in order to allow for the migration of ions beneficial in the healing process, fluids and cells. The large pore size, porosity and the interconnectivity of the pores are of importance to ensure vascularization and tissue ingrowth
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