Abstract
Micro-/nano-structured scaffolds with a weight composition of 46.6% α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP)—53.4% silicocarnotite (SC) were synthesized by the polymer replica method. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the scaffolds and natural cancellous bone was performed for comparison purposes. Scaffolds were obtained at three cooling rates via the eutectoid temperature (50 °C/h, 16.5 °C/h, 5.5 °C/h), which allowed the surface nanostructure and mechanical strength to be controlled. Surface nanostructures were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman analysis. Both phases α-TCP and SC present in the scaffolds were well-identified, looked compact and dense, and had neither porosities nor cracks. The non-cytotoxic effect was evaluated in vitro by the proliferation ability of adult human mesenchymal stem cells (ah-MSCs) seeded on scaffold surfaces. There was no evidence for cytotoxicity and the number of cells increased with culture time. A dense cell-hydroxyapatite layer formed until 28 days. The SEM analysis suggested cell-mediated extracellular matrix formation. Finally, scaffolds were functionalized with the alkaline phosphatase enzyme (ALP) to achieve biological functionalization. The ALP was successfully grafted onto scaffolds, whose enzymatic activity was maintained. Scaffolds mimicked the micro-/nano-structure and chemical composition of natural cancellous bone by considering cell biology and biomolecule functionalization.
Highlights
The micro/nano-structure obtained in the synthesized scaffolds with the 46.6% αTCP—53.4% SC composition mimics the micro-/nano-structure of natural cancellous bone
The nanostructure consisted of irregular eutectoid lamellae of alternating SC and α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP), which were affected by the cooling rate used via the eutectoid temperature
It is possible to control the micro-/nano-structure of scaffolds and compressive strength by this sintering process, which would make them similar to natural cancellous bone and they could adjust to the requirements of each bone defect
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Scaffold-based tissue engineering is a discipline that employs templates to stimulate and support the bone regeneration process. An ideal scaffold should have a similar micro/nano-structure and chemical composition to that in the bone mineral phase to provide a native environment. To improve scaffold-host tissue interactions, templates can be functionalized with several cells, proteins and growth factors [1,2]. Scaffolds should promote osseointegration by means of bioactive, osteoinductive, and osteoconductive properties. They must have surface properties to improve vascular ingrowth and to allow cell fixation and proliferation [3,4]
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