Bioactive Composite Scaffolds Research Articles

Extraction of Hydroxyapatite Nanostructures from Marine Wastes for the Fabrication of Biopolymer-Based Porous Scaffolds.

Three-dimensional porous nanocomposites consisting of gelatin-carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) cross-linked by carboxylic acids biopolymers and monophasic hydroxyapatite (HA) nanostructures were fabricated by lyophilization, for soft-bone-tissue engineering. The bioactive ceramic nanostructures were prepared by a novel wet-chemical and low-temperature procedure from marine wastes containing calcium carbonates. The effect of surface-active molecules, including sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), on the morphology of HA nanostructures is shown. It is demonstrated that highly bioactive and monophasic HA nanorods with an aspect ratio > 10 can be synthesized in the presence of SDS. In vitro studies on the bioactive biopolymer composite scaffolds with varying pore sizes, from 100 to 300 μm, determine the capacity of the developed procedure to convert marine wastes to profitable composites for tissue engineering.

3D printed bioactive composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Bone health and regeneration is crucial to human survival. With the advancement in the bone research area, bone implants have been under scrutiny to find a better material that could help in bone regeneration and growth. A wide range of material has been studied and examined to find the ideal combination. In this paper, a new blend of Tri-calcium phosphate (TCP), polycaprolactone (PCL) and bovine hydroxyapatite (BHA) was introduced to create scaffolds with fused deposition 3d printing. Effect of BHA concentration as a naturally derived and newcomer 3d printing material was investigated via FTIR, XRD, and SEM analyses. In vitro studies were exhibited that 15% (wt/wt) BHA fabricated composite scaffolds possessed more bioactivity than other cases with increasing proliferation and growth rates.

Engineering Human-Scale Artificial Bone Grafts for Treating Critical-Size Bone Defects.

The manufacturing of artificial bone grafts can potentially circumvent the issues associated with current bone grafting treatments for critical-size bone defects caused by pathological disorders, trauma, or massive tumor ablation. In this study, we report on a potentially patient-specific fabrication process in which replicas of bone defects, in particular zygomatic and mandibular bones and phalanxes of a hand finger, were manufactured by laser stereolithography and used as templates for the creation of PDMS molds. Gas-in-water foams were cast in the molds, rapidly frozen, freeze-dried, and cross-linked. Since bone matrix consists essentially of collagen and hydroxyapatite, biomimetic scaffolds were fabricated using gelatin and hydroxyapatite in a ratio very similar to that found in bone. The obtained composite scaffolds were excellent replicas of the original bone defects models and presented both a superficial and internal porous texture adequate for cellular and blood vessels infiltration. In particular, scaffolds exhibited a porous texture consisting of pores and interconnects with average size of about 300 and 100 μm, respectively, and a porosity of 90%. In vitro culture tests using hMSCs demonstrated scaffold biocompatibility and capacity in inducing differentiation toward osteoblasts progenitors. In vivo cellularized implants showed bone matrix deposition and recruitment of blood vessels. Overall, the technique/materials combination used in this work led to the fabrication of promising mechanically stable, bioactive, and biocompatible composite scaffolds with well-defined architectures potentially valuable in the regeneration of patient-specific bone defects.

Corrigendum to “Biomimetic characterization reveals enhancement of hydroxyapatite formation by fluid flow in gellan gum and bioactive glass composite scaffolds” [Polym. Test. 76 (2019) 464–472

Corrigendum to “Biomimetic characterization reveals enhancement of hydroxyapatite formation by fluid flow in gellan gum and bioactive glass composite scaffolds” [Polym. Test. 76 (2019) 464–472

Evaluation of the effect of hyaluronic acid and chitosan biocomposite natural polymers in alveolar ridge preservation: an experimental study in dogs

Alveolar ridge preservation procedures became a famous procedures after tooth extraction. Different approaches and materials had been studied. Faster and new bone formation is the concept. Objective: To evaluate the early stages of alveolar bone healing of tooth extraction sockets filled with bioactive composite (chitosan-bioactive glass) CH-MB scaffold soaked in hyaluronic acid (HAL) in a canine model. Materials and Methods: Six mongrel dogs were involved in this study; they were divided into two groups according to sacrifice time (three and six weeks). Each of these groups includes three animals. Animals were subjected to extraction of the third premolar bilaterally. The right extraction socket received bioactive composite (chitosan-bioactive glass) CH-MB scaffold soaked in 0.2 % hyaluronic acid, while the left side had received chitosan-bioactive glass scaffold CH-MB only. The healing extraction sockets were evaluated by (Fourier Transfer Infra-Red spectroscopy) FTIR; where three variables were studied: Matrix quality, degree of crystallinity and degree of calcifications.Results: Hyaluronic acid (HLA) treated groups showed significant results at 6 weeks over all other groups as regard collagen content and crystal maturity. While, degree of calcification showed non-significant results. Moreover, HLA groups showed significant increase from 3 weeks to 6 weeks over non treated groups.Conclusion: Hyaluronic acid was effective in extraction socket healing as regard collagen content at 3 and 6 weeks and crystal maturity especially at 6 weeks. While degree of calcification was negatively affected. It was postulated that HLA sustained its release on the biocomposite scaffold for 6 weeks postoperatively.

Development of an Antibacterial Bone Graft by Immobilization of Levofloxacin Hydrochloride-Loaded Mesoporous Silica Microspheres on a Porous Scaffold Surface.

An effective local drug delivery system remains an urgently needed product for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis in the clinic. In this study, we developed an antibacterial functionalization bone graft by immobilizing levofloxacin hydrochloride-loaded mesoporous silica microspheres (LFH @ MSNs) on the surface of a nanohydroxyapatite/polyurethane (n-HA/PU) bioactive composite scaffold. Through pretreatment of the n-HA/PU scaffold by chitosan solution and subsequent crosslinking by vanillin, LFH @ MSNs were uniformly and stably immobilized on the scaffold surface. The results of drug release experiments showed that the release of LFH from LFH @ MSN-modified n-HA/PU scaffolds (LFH @ MSN/n HA/PU) lasted up to 42d. The antibacterial assays indicated that LFH @ MSN/n-HA/PU offers satisfactory antibacterial activity against both gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The biosafety assays demonstrated that the LFH @ MSN/n-HA/PU scaffold could satisfy the requirements of the biosafety standards. The constructed LFH @ MSN/n-HA/PU porous scaffolds with an antibacterial surface and favorable biosafety are deemed a promising candidate for infectious bone defect repair.

Biomimetic characterization reveals enhancement of hydroxyapatite formation by fluid flow in gellan gum and bioactive glass composite scaffolds

This study presents production and biomimetic characterization of macroporous composite scaffolds based on gellan gum and nanoparticulate bioactive glass (GG-BAG) under conditions relevant for bone tissue engineering. Formation of hydroxyapatite (HAp) within the scaffolds was investigated in the simulated body fluid (SBF) during 14 days in two biomimetic bioreactors: perfusion bioreactor (1.1 ml/min SBF flowrate) and a bioreactor with coupled dynamic compression and SBF perfusion (5% strain, 0.68 Hz, 1 h on/1 h off, 1.1 ml/min SBF flowrate). HAp formation was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). The superficial SBF velocity of 100 μm/s in perfusion bioreactors induced the formation of abundant cauliflower-like HAp crystals throughout the scaffold interior and flake-like crystals on external surfaces resulting in improved mechanical properties as compared to the initial scaffolds. The obtained results indicate potentials of macroporous GG-BAG scaffolds in conjunction with perfusion bioreactors for bone tissue engineering demonstrating high bioactivity suited for cultures of osteogenic cells.

Micro-Nano Bioactive Glass Particles Incorporated Porous Scaffold for Promoting Osteogenesis and Angiogenesis in vitro.

Constructing the interconnected porous biomaterials scaffolds with osteogenesis and angiogenesis capacity is extremely important for efficient bone tissue engineering. Herein, we fabricated a bioactive micro-nano composite scaffolds with excellent in vitro osteogenesis and angiogenesis capacity, based on poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) incorporated with micro-nano bioactive glass (MNBG). The results showed that the addition of MNBG enlarged the pore size, increased the compressive modulus (4 times improvement), enhanced the physiological stability and apatite-forming ability of porous PLGA scaffolds. The in vitro studies indicated that the PLGA-MNBG porous scaffold could enhance the mouse bone mesenchymal stem cells (mBMSCs) attachment, proliferation, and promote the expression of osteogenesis marker (ALP). Additionally, PLGA-MNBG could also support the attachment and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and significantly enhanced the expression of angiogenesis marker (CD31) of HUVECs. The as-prepared bioactive PLGA-MNBG nanocomposites scaffolds with good osteogenesis and angiogenesis probably have a promising application for bone tissue regeneration.

Binary bioactive glass composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering—Structure and mechanical properties in micro and nano scale. A preliminary study

Composite scaffolds of bioactive glass (SiO2-CaO) and bioresorbable polyesters: poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) were produced by polymer coating of porous foams. Their structure and mechanical properties were investigated in micro and nanoscale, by the means of scanning electron microscopy, PeakForce Quantitative Nanomechanical Property Mapping (PF-QNM) atomic force microscopy, micro-computed tomography and contact angle measurements.This is one of the first studies in which the nanomechanical properties (elastic modulus, adhesion) were measured and mapped simultaneously with topography imaging (PF-QNM AFM) for bioactive glass and bioactive glass – polymer coated scaffolds. Our findings show that polymer coated scaffolds had higher average roughness and lower stiffness in comparison to pure bioactive glass scaffolds. Such coating-dependent scaffold properties may promote different cells-scaffold interaction.

Response of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to graphene-containing grid-like bioactive glass scaffolds produced by robocasting.

In the study, three-dimensional, grid-like silicate-based bioactive glass scaffolds were manufactured using a robotic deposition technique. Inks were prepared by mixing 13-93 bioactive glass particles in Pluronic® F-127 solution. After deposition, scaffolds were dried at room temperature and sintered at 690°C for 1 h. The surface of the sintered scaffolds was coated with graphene nanopowder (1, 3, 5, 10 wt%) containing poly(ε-caprolactone) solution. The in vitro mineralization ability of the prepared composite scaffolds was investigated in simulated body fluid. The surface of the simulated body fluid-treated scaffolds was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy to investigate the hydroxyapatite formation. Mechanical properties were tested under compression. Results revealed that graphene coating has no detrimental effect on the hydroxyapatite forming ability of the prepared glass scaffolds. On the other hand, it decreased the compression strength of the scaffolds at high graphene concentrations. The prepared grid-like bioactive glass-based composite scaffolds did not show toxic response to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. It was shown that stem cells seeded onto the scaffolds attached and proliferated well on the surface. Cells seeded on the scaffolds surface also demonstrated osteogenic differentiation under in vitro conditions in the absence of transforming growth factors.

Nano-hydroxyapatite bioactive glass composite scaffold with enhanced mechanical and biological performance for tissue engineering application

Composite biomaterials can improve the mechanical and biological properties of ceramic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering application. In this study hydroxyapatite (HAp), and bioactive glass ceramics were synthesized by co-precipitation and ultrasound assisted sol-gel method. The synthesized HAp (80 wt.-%) and bioglass (15 wt.-%) bioceramics were further used with aluminum oxide (3 wt.-%) and starch (2 wt%) to prepare a composite biomaterial. The composite biomaterial was finally used to fabricate scaffold materials by employing nontoxic binder mediated gel-casting approach. The synthesized composite material and developed scaffolds were characterized through different physical, chemical, and morphological analyses, mechanical study, and in vitro biological assays. The synthesized scaffold exhibited 20–25% porosity, with a high compressive strength of ~ 157 ± 2 MPa, and Tensile strength of ~ 83 ± 2 MPa after sintering at 1200 °C for 2 h. The in vitro biological study confirmed the nontoxic behavior of the composite biomaterial and developed scaffolds with MG-63 osteoblast-like cell line. The developed composite scaffold facilitated new cell attachment, growth, and proliferation on its surface, all of which correlates with good osteoconductive properties. The developed scaffolds effectively simulated the morphology, porosity, mechanical property, and bioactivity of the bone structure for load-bearing tissue engineering application.

PLGA/β-TCP composite scaffold incorporating salvianolic acid B promotes bone fusion by angiogenesis and osteogenesis in a rat spinal fusion model

Spinal disorders often require surgical treatment called spinal fusion to restore a stabilized spine where bone grafts are implanted for the fusion of adjacent vertebras. In this study, we developed a bioactive composite scaffold incorporated with salvianolic acid B (SB), an active component extracted from Danshen. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of SB-incorporated porous scaffold on spinal fusion models. The composite scaffolds composed of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) and tricalcium phosphate (PLGA/β-TCP) were fabricated with low-temperature rapid prototyping technique, which incorporated SB at low (SB-L), middle (SB-M), high (SB-H) doses, and pure PLGA/β-TCP as blank control (Con). The release profile of SB from the scaffolds was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties of the scaffolds were reflected by the osteogenic differentiation ability of rat primary mesenchymal stem cells. The angiogenesis was determined by the forming of tube-like structures resembling capillaries using endothelial cell line (EA hy9.26). A well-established spinal fusion model was used to evaluate the in vivo bony fusion. Animals were transplanted with scaffolds, or autografts from iliac crest as positive controls. Micro-computed tomography (CT) analysis, CT-based angiography, manual palpation test, histomorphometry, and histology were performed after 8 weeks of transplantation. Results revealed that incorporated SB was steadily released from the scaffolds. The aliquot of released SB promoted osteogenesis and angiogenesis in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. In animal study, a dose-dependent effect of SB on new bone formation, mineral apposition rate, and vessel density within the scaffold were demonstrated. Manual palpation test showed little numerical improvement in fusion rate when compared with the blank controls. In summary, our results suggested that SB-incorporated PLGA/β-TCP composite scaffold could enhance bony fusion through the promotion of osteogenesis and angiogenesis.

Bioactive composite scaffolds of carboxymethyl chitosan-silk fibroin containing chitosan nanoparticles for sustained release of ascorbic acid

This study introduces and characterizes the biomimetic and bioactive scaffolds for bone regeneration based on silk fibroin (SF)-carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) incorporated with ascorbic acid (AA)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs). The ChNPs were prepared to encapsulate AA, as a simple and safe osteoinductive drug, through the ionic gelation process. CMCh was also prepared through chemical reaction with monochloroacetic acid under various temperature conditions (60–80 °C). The CMCh with higher carboxyl content (T = 80 °C) was chosen for further scaffolding. Then, the AA-loaded ChNPs were mixed with different ratios of SF: CMCh to prepare osteoconductive and osteoinductive scaffolds. As proved by scanning electron microscopy, all composites had well-interconnected porous structures. Larger pore size, higher porosity, and greater water uptake were obtained by increasing CMCh, while the opposite trend was observed for compressive modulus and strength. The in vitro release studies showed that the release of AA was controlled by Fickian diffusion and was faster in the scaffolds containing more CMCh. The mineralization study in simulated body fluid indicated that both CMCh and AA promote calcium phosphate deposition throughout all scaffolds, while the bioactivity enhanced with the increase of CMCh. Osteoblast-like cells (MG63) cultured on the scaffolds demonstrated that higher CMCh content enhanced cell spreading, proliferation, and alkaline phosphatase activity.

Porous composite scaffold incorporating osteogenic phytomolecule icariin for promoting skeletal regeneration in challenging osteonecrotic bone in rabbits

Steroid-associated osteonecrosis (SAON) often requires surgical core decompression (CD) in the early stage for removal of necrotic bone to facilitate repair where bone grafts are needed for filling bone defect and avoiding subsequent joint collapse. In this study, we developed a bioactive composite scaffold incorporated with icariin, a unique phytomolecule that can provide structural and mechanical support and facilitate bone regeneration to fill into bone defects after surgical CD in established SAON rabbit model. An innovative low-temperature 3D printing technology was used to fabricate the poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)/β-calcium phosphate/icariin (PLGA/TCP/Icariin, PTI) scaffold. The cytocompatibility of the PTI scaffold was tested in vitro, and the osteogenesis properties of PTI scaffolds were assessed in vivo in the SAON rabbit models. Our results showed that the fabricated PTI scaffold had a well-designed biomimic structure that was precisely printed to provide increased mechanical support and stable icariin release from the scaffold for bone regeneration. Furthermore, our in vivo study indicated that the PTI scaffold could enhanced the mechanical properties of new bone tissues and improved angiogenesis within the implanted region in SAON rabbit model than those of PLGA/TCP (PT) scaffold. The underlying osteoblastic mechanism was investigated using MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro and revealed that icariin could facilitate MC3T3-E1 cells ingrowth into the PTI scaffold and regulate osteoblastic differentiation. The PTI scaffold exhibited superior biodegradability, biocompatibility, and osteogenic capability compared with those of PT scaffold. In summary, the PTI composite scaffold which incorporated bioactive phyto-compounds is a promising potential strategy for bone tissue engineering and regeneration in patients with challenging SAON.

In vivo study of a bioactive nanoparticle-gelatin composite scaffold for bone defect repair in rabbits.

The purpose is to study the in vivo bioactivity of this scaffold and verify its ability to simulate the characteristics of cancellous bone. Twenty-four adult New Zealand white rabbits were divided into three groups. Bone defects above the femoral condylar of both sides were created. A newly designed bioactive nanoparticle-gelatin composite scaffold was implanted to the experimental side, while the control side was left without implantation. The repair of bone defect was monitored by X-ray examination, gross observation, Micro-CT examination and histological observation of the area of bone defect 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. There was void of new bone tissue in medullary cavity in the bone defect area of the control side. In the experimental side, the composite scaffold displayed excellent biodegradability, bioactivity and cyto-compatibility. With the time laps, new bone tissue grew from the edge to center as revealed by both Micro-CT image and staining biopsy, which complies with the "creeping substitution" process. The mechanical properties of the newly designed bioactive nanoparticle-gelatin composite scaffold and the 3-D structure of new bone tissue are comparable to the surrounding cancellous bones. This newly developed bioactive nanoparticle-gelatin composite scaffold possesses good biocompatibility and in vivo osteogenic capability for bone defect repair. It may be a promising artificial bone grafts.

An epigenetic bioactive composite scaffold with well-aligned nanofibers for functional tendon tissue engineering.

Electrospun aligned fibers, resembling the ultrastructure of tendon, have been previously reported to promote tenogenesis. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear and the aligned fibers alone are not capable enough to commit teno-differentiation of stem cells. The uniqueness of our studies are as follows, based on our observation of reduced expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) cultured on aligned fibers, we proposed a strategy to enhance the tenogenesis effect of aligned fibers by using a small molecule Trichostatin A (TSA), a HDAC inhibitor. Such a TSA-laden poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA) aligned fiber (A-TSA) scaffold was successfully fabricated by a stable jet electrospinning method, and demonstrated its sustained capability in releasing TSA. The incorporation and subsequent release of bioactive small molecule TSA into electrospun aligned fibers allows a controllable manner for both biochemical and physical regulation of tenogenesis of stem cells both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, the present study provides a model of "translating the biological knowledge learned from cell-material interaction into optimizing biomaterials (from Biomat-to-Biomat)".

Potency and Cytotoxicity of a Novel Gallium-Containing Mesoporous Bioactive Glass/Chitosan Composite Scaffold as Hemostatic Agents.

Chitosan-based hemostats are promising candidates for immediate hemorrhage control. However, they have some disadvantages and require further improvement to achieve the desired hemostatic efficiency. Here, a series of 1% Ga2O3-containing mesoporous bioactive glass-chitosan composite scaffolds (Ga-MBG/CHT) were constructed by the lyophilization process and the effect of various concentrations of Ga-MBG (10, 30, and 50 wt %) on the hemostatic function of the CHT scaffold was assessed as compared to that of Celox Rapid gauze (CXR), a current commercially available chitosan-coated hemostatic gauze. The prepared scaffolds exhibited >79% porosity and showed increased water uptake compared to that in CXR. The results of coagulation studies showed that pure CHT and composite scaffolds exhibited increased hemostatic performance with respect to CXR. Furthermore, the composite scaffold with the highest Ga-MBG content (50 wt %) had increased capability to enhancing thrombus generation, blood clotting, and platelet adhesion and aggregation than that of the scaffold made of pure CHT. The antibacterial efficacy and biocompatibility of the prepared scaffolds were also assessed by a time-killing assay and an Alamar Blue assay, respectively. Our results show that the antibacterial effect of 50% Ga-MBG/CHT was more pronounced than that of CHT and CXR. The cell viability results also demonstrated that Ga-MBG/CHT composite scaffolds had good biocompatibility, which facilitates the spreading and proliferation of human dermal fibroblast cells even with 50 wt % Ga-MBG loading. These results suggest that Ga-MBG/CHT scaffolds could be a promising hemostatic candidate for improving hemostasis in critical situations.

Manufacturing and Characterization of Highly Porous Bioactive Glass Composite Scaffolds Using Unidirectional Freeze Casting

The aim of this work is the fabrication of bioactive and degradable scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Freeze casting is used to obtain macropores. Alongside, highly bioactive 45S5 Bioglass, gelatin and chitosan are used as biocompatible binder and stabilizing agent, respectively. By varying the cooling rate between 2 and 4 K min−1 and whether the slurry is allowed to form a gelled network at 7 °C before freeze casting or not, samples with a porosity of 75% are achieved. X‐ray tomography analysis shows smallest pore sizes between 73 and 77 µm and a rather lamellar structure parallel to the freezing direction for the non‐gelled samples, whereas the gelled samples have smallest pores between 96 and 120 µm and show a rather cellular structure. Compression tests reveal compressive strengths from 2 (non‐gelled) to 3 MPa (gelled), while the quasielastic moduli of the gelled samples (44–46 MPa) clearly exceed values of the non‐gelled (20–23 MPa). Thus, it is concluded that the modified pore structure caused by the gelling process markedly improves the mechanical properties of the samples. After seven days in SBF under physiological conditions, a calcium phosphate rich layer is detected on the samples surface, revealing the bioactivity of the scaffolds.

Electrically conductive borate-based bioactive glass scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.

In this study, electrically conductive, borate-based, porous 13-93B3 bioactive glass composite scaffolds were prepared using a polymer foam replication technique. For this purpose, a slurry containing 40 vol% glass particles and 0-10 wt% graphene nanoplatelets was prepared by dispersing the particles in ethanol in the presence of ethyl cellulose. Composite scaffolds were subjected to a controlled heat treatment, in air atmosphere, to decompose the foam and sinter the glass particles into a dense network. It was found that the applied heat treatment did not influence the structure of graphene in the glass network. Graphene additions did not negatively affect the mechanical properties and enhanced the electrical conductivity of the glass scaffolds. In X-ray diffraction analysis, the crystalline peak corresponding to hydroxyapatite was observed in all the samples suggesting that all of the samples were bioactive after 30 days of immersion in simulated body fluid. However, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and scanning electron microscope observations revealed that hydroxyapatite formation rate decreased with increasing graphene concentration especially for samples treated in simulated body fluid for shorter times. Based on the cytotoxicity assay findings, the MC3T3-E1 cell growth was significantly inhibited by the scaffolds containing higher amount of graphene compared to bare glass scaffolds. Best performance was obtained for 5 wt% graphene which yielded an enhancement of electrical conductivity with moderate cellular response and invitro hydroxyapatite forming ability. The study revealed that the electrically conductive 13-93B3 graphene scaffolds are promising candidates for bone tissue engineering applications.

Sol-gel Based Fabrication and Properties of Mg-Zn Doped Bioactive Glass/Gelatin Composite Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering

In this study, a type of SiO2-CaO-P2O5-MgO-ZnO bioactive glass was synthesized via the sol-gel method and then bioactive glass-gelatin composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering were fabricated. The obtained composite scaffolds were characterized and their microstructural, thermal, mechanical and biological properties were studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The XRD patterns of the prepared glass and the composites before incubation in SBF showed the amorphous structure of the samples and no sharp peak was observed but after incubation in SBF solution, the peaks related to the presence of crystalline hydroxyapatite were evident and with increasing incubation time in SBF, the formation and crystallinity of the apatite increased. The FTIR spectra of the synthesized glass and the composite scaffold showed the band attributed to the glass and the gelatin in the samples. After immersion in SBF, the bands related to calcium phosphate formation were observable in agreement with the results of the XRD. The Average Young’s modulus and yield strength of the samples were 30 ± 2 and 5 ± 0.4 Mpa. Cellular biocompatibility tests illustrated optimal cell proliferation on the fabricated scaffolds. This material is seen to be non-toxic and compatible to be used as a potential bone tissue scaffold.