The Tunable Porous Structure of Gelatin–Bioglass Nanocomposite Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications: Physicochemical, Mechanical, and In Vitro Properties

Abstract

Unidirectional freeze‐casting method is used to fabricate gelatin–bioglass nanoparticles (BGNPs) scaffolds. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show that sol–gel prepared BGNPs are distributed throughout the scaffold with diameters of less than 10 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetric are used to evaluate the physicochemical properties of BGNPs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs present an oriented porous structure and a homogeneous distribution of BGNPs in the gelatin matrix. The lamellar‐type structure indicates an improvement of mechanical strength and absorption capacity of the scaffolds. Increasing the concentration of BGNPs from 0 to 50 wt% have no noticeable effect on pore orientation, but decreases porosity and pore size distribution. Increase in BGNPs content improves the compressive strength. The absorption and biodegradation rate reduces with augmentation in BGNPs concentration. Bioactivity is evaluated through apatite formation after immersion of the nanocomposites in simulated body fluid and is verified by SEM–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), an element map analysis, X‐ray powder diffractometer, and FTIR spectrum. SEM images and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay confirm the biocompatibility of scaffolds and the supportive behavior of nanocomposites in cellular spreading. The results show that gelatin–(30 wt%)bioglass nanocomposites have incipient physicochemical and biological properties.

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“…They were then placed in PBS solution for 2, 4, and 24 h. At specific times, the samples were weighed in a humid form and the swelling ratio was calculated based on eq. where W 0 is the initial weight and W is the wet weight of the sample …”

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“…32 The porosity of constructs was computed using the following equation 33 : So, dilatometer was filled by mercury and the pore size was measured after diffusion of the mercury into the pores under pressure.…”

“…So, dilatometer was filled by mercury and the pore size was measured after diffusion of the mercury into the pores under pressure. 32 The porosity of constructs was computed using the following equation 33 :…”

Biofabrication of Gelatin Tissue Scaffolds with Uniform Pore Size via Microbubble Assembly

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“…The general characteristics of tissue scaffolds are well defined and can be summarized as biodegradation capability to non-toxic substances (bioresorbability), bearing loading conditions comparable to related tissue, and having interconnected porosity. [3,4] The latter is a vital feature since it allows both nutrient flow and cell migration throughout the 3D structure, neovascularization, and contributes to mechanical properties of the scaffold. [5] In addition, the porous structure can facilitate integration between the scaffold and tissue.…”