Modified silk fibroin scaffolds with collagen/decellularized pulp for bone tissue engineering in cleft palate:...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Craniofacial Surgery

Background:

• Cleft palate results in maxillofacial bone defects.
• Silk fibroin is a suitable biomaterial due to its biocompatibility and stability.
• Developing effective bone tissue engineering scaffolds is crucial for cleft palate repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer silk fibroin scaffolds for bone tissue engineering in cleft palate.
• To modify silk fibroin scaffolds with collagen and/or decellularized pulp.
• To evaluate the structural, mechanical, and biological properties of modified scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Silk fibroin scaffolds were prepared using freeze-drying and immersion techniques.
• Scaffolds were characterized using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Osteoblast cells were seeded to assess proliferation, viability, total protein, and histological outcomes.

Main Results:

• Modified silk fibroin scaffolds exhibited a beta-sheet structure and altered mechanical properties.
• Fibrils were observed within the pores of the modified scaffolds.
• Scaffolds modified with collagen/decellularized pulp significantly enhanced cell proliferation, viability, and total protein.

Conclusions:

• Modified silk fibroin scaffolds, particularly those with collagen/decellularized pulp, demonstrate excellent performance for bone tissue engineering.
• These scaffolds hold significant promise for future cleft palate treatments.
• The study highlights the potential of silk fibroin-based biomaterials in regenerative medicine.