Novel 3D Bioglass Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Regeneration

Abstract

The design of scaffolds with optimal biomechanical properties for load-bearing applications is an important topic of research. Most studies have addressed this problem by focusing on the material composition and not on the coupled effect between the material composition and the scaffold architecture. Polymer–bioglass scaffolds have been investigated due to the excellent bioactivity properties of bioglass, which release ions that activate osteogenesis. However, material preparation methods usually require the use of organic solvents that induce surface modifications on the bioglass particles, compromising the adhesion with the polymeric material thus compromising mechanical properties. In this paper, we used a simple melt blending approach to produce polycaprolactone/bioglass pellets to construct scaffolds with pore size gradient. The results show that the addition of bioglass particles improved the mechanical properties of the scaffolds and, due to the selected architecture, all scaffolds presented mechanical properties in the cortical bone region. Moreover, the addition of bioglass indicated a positive long-term effect on the biological performance of the scaffolds. The pore size gradient also induced a cell spreading gradient.

Can 3D-Printed Bioactive Glasses Be the Future of Bone Tissue Engineering?

“…The mechanical properties and biocompatibility of PCL-BG composites were observed in another independent study [83]. Thus, PCL-bioactive glass composites could be potential candidates for bone tissue engineering.…”

3D printing polylactic acid polymer-bioactive glass loaded with bone cement for bone defect in weight-bearing area

“…BG is silicate glass with good biocompatibility, degradability, and bioactivity. It is a commonly used bone tissue repair material clinically ( Bento et al, 2021 ; Zheng et al, 2021 ; Daskalakis et al, 2022 ). BG has bone inducing effect.…”

“…BG has bone inducing effect. When BG is implanted into the body, it can exchange ions with extracellular fluid, and form a HA layer on its surface, to build a solid chemical bond with the bone surface ( Daskalakis et al, 2022 ). In addition, different ions released by BG, such as silicon and calcium, can regulate osteoblast activity, promote extracellular matrix mineralization and accelerate new bone formation ( Daskalakis et al, 2022 ).…”

“…When BG is implanted into the body, it can exchange ions with extracellular fluid, and form a HA layer on its surface, to build a solid chemical bond with the bone surface ( Daskalakis et al, 2022 ). In addition, different ions released by BG, such as silicon and calcium, can regulate osteoblast activity, promote extracellular matrix mineralization and accelerate new bone formation ( Daskalakis et al, 2022 ). C Wu found that silicon ions at a certain concentration could stimulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and enhance bone mineralization and metabolism ( Wu et al, 2007 ).…”

“…After the degradation of pure PLA, the local internal environment became acidic, which resulted in the decrease in the degradation rate ( Vaid et al, 2021 ). The degradation products of BG are alkaline ( Daskalakis et al, 2022 ), which has an acid-base neutralization effect on the local internal environment, maintains the steady-state of the internal environment, and is conducive to the continuous occurrence of degradation. After adding bone cement, the degradation rate of PBG-BC decreased significantly to 10%, which may be due to the significant reduction of the direct contact area between the material and the surrounding tissue.…”