Collagen as Coating Material for 45S5 Bioactive Glass-Based Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Bioactive glass scaffolds are promising for bone regeneration but require surface modification to improve mechanical properties and cellular integration.
• Collagen coating can enhance the biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of scaffolds.
• Developing effective methods for collagen coating is crucial for advanced bone tissue engineering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate highly porous 45S5 bioactive glass-based scaffolds.
• To develop and apply a novel method for coating these scaffolds with collagen.
• To evaluate the mechanical properties, structural integrity, and cellular response of the collagen-coated scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of porous bioactive glass scaffolds using the foam replica technique.
• Surface functionalization of scaffolds with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTS).
• Collagen coating via immersion, gelling, drying, and crosslinking with EDC/NHS.

Main Results:

• A few-micrometer-thick collagen layer was achieved without compromising scaffold macroporosity.
• Compressive strength increased fivefold, from 0.04 ± 0.02 MPa to 0.18 ± 0.03 MPa.
• The composite scaffolds demonstrated positive MG-63 cell viability, attachment, and proliferation.

Conclusions:

• The novel collagen coating method effectively enhances the mechanical properties of bioactive glass scaffolds.
• The developed composite material shows excellent biocompatibility and supports cell growth, making it suitable for bone tissue engineering.
• This collagen-coated bioactive glass scaffold system presents a promising platform for regenerative medicine applications.