Constructing a novel three-dimensional scaffold with mesoporous TiO2 nanotubes for potential bone tissue engineering.
Yizao Wan1, Peng Chang, Zhiwei Yang
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin 300072, China. hlluotju@126.com.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|April 9, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a novel 3D scaffold made of mesoporous titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes for tissue engineering. The nanotube scaffold enhances cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, showing promise for bone regeneration applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Three-dimensional (3D) nanofibrous scaffolds are common in tissue engineering.
- 3D scaffolds constructed from nanotubes remain underexplored.
- Developing novel nanotube-based scaffolds is crucial for advancing tissue regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a novel 3D porous network-structured scaffold built of mesoporous titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes.
- To evaluate the potential of this scaffold for supporting cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.
- To investigate the structural and surface properties of the TiO2 nanotube scaffold.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of TiO2 nanotubes using a template-assisted sol-gel method with bacterial cellulose (BC) as a template, followed by calcination.
- Characterization of nanotube morphology, structure, and surface properties using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
- Evaluation of cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation using CCK-8 assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and calcium content assay.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of TiO2 nanotubes with an average outer diameter <100 nm and mesoporous walls (~7 nm).
- The scaffold exhibited a 3D porous network structure with rugged nanotopography and an extremely large surface area (1629 m2 g-1).
- Enhanced cell growth, proliferation, ALP activity, and mineralization were observed compared to tissue culture plate controls, with ALP activity comparable to hydroxyapatite-coated scaffolds.
Conclusions:
- The novel 3D mesoporous TiO2 nanotube scaffold demonstrates significant potential for tissue engineering applications, particularly in bone regeneration.
- Enhanced biological performance is attributed to the scaffold's unique structural features: surface roughness, 3D porous network, mesopores, and large surface area.
- This study highlights the promise of nanotube-based scaffolds as advanced biomaterials for promoting cell growth and differentiation.
