Engineered Hybrid Scaffolds of Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Bioactive Glass for Potential Bone Engineering Applications: Synthesis, Characterization, Cytocompatibility, and Degradation

Abstract

The synthesis, characterization, preliminary cytocompatibility, and degradation behavior of the hybrids based on 70% Poly(vinyl alcohol) and 30% bioactive glass (58SiO2–33CaO–9P2O5, BaG) with macroporous tridimensional structure is reported for the first time. The effect of glutaraldehyde covalent crosslinker in the organic-inorganic nanostructures produced and, as a consequence, tailoring the hybrids properties was investigated. The PVA/BaG hybrids scaffolds are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Microcomputed tomography analysis (μCT). Cytotoxicity assessment is performed by the MTT method with VERO cell culture. Additionally, the hybridin vitrodegradation assay is conducted by measuring the mass loss by soaking in deionized water at 37°C for up to 21 days. The results have clearly shown that it is possible to modify the PVA/BaG hybrids properties and degradation behavior by engineering the structure using different concentrations of the chemical crosslinker. Moreover, these hybrid crosslinked nanostructures have presented 3D hierarchical pore size architecture varying within 10–450 μm and a suitable cytocompatibility for potential use in bone tissue engineering applications.

Biomimetic growth of bone-like apatite via simulated body fluid on hydroxyethyl cellulose/polyvinyl alcohol electrospun nanofibers

“…The peak between 3550-3200 cm -1 shows the O-H from intermolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonds in PVA molecules. The C-H alkyl groups are present near 2850-3000 cm -1 and the C-O-C sequence of amorphous PVA appears at 1085.35 cm -1 [21][22][23]. The C-O crystallinity peak of PVA at 1141 cm -1 [24] is not seen in electrospun nanofibers.…”

A Critical Comparison on Biocompatibility of Different Phases of Sol–Gel Derived Calcium Phosphates as Bone Graft Materials

“…In order to overcome the mechanical weakness of inorganic material, a polymeric constituent is usually introduced to enrich strength of final materials 23 . Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) is a hydrophilic, synthetic semi-crystalline polymer, which is biocompatible, non-carcinogenic and one of the most commonly used polymers in biomedical applications [24][25][26][27][28] . Physical interaction of PVA with the surface of inorganic materials is possible without the incorporation of any chemical additives, as PVA has high concentration of hydroxyl pendent groups which can easily crosslink with the surface of the material's hydroxyl group 23 .…”

Hybrid matrix grafts to favor tissue regeneration in rabbit femur bone lesions

“…Although the hybrid crosslinked with 5wt% GA showed a decrease in the average pore size, this material did present an adequate pore size range (10 to 450 μm); a better mechanical behavior, with a higher yield strength and deformation; as well as a lower degradation rate [24]. The cell viability after stabilization, measured by the MTT test, was 50%, which may also be considered adequate for tissue engineering applications.…”