Biomineralization in Three-Dimensional Scaffolds Based on Bacterial Nanocellulose for Bone Tissue Engineering:...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) possesses a negative surface charge, facilitating calcium ion adsorption for calcium phosphate (CP) nucleation.
• Mimicking natural bone's composition, structure, and biomechanical properties is crucial for effective bone tissue engineering scaffolds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate mineralization methods for creating 3D microporous BNC scaffolds.
• To mimic natural bone's properties using bacterial nanocellulose and calcium phosphates.

Main Methods:

• Generated 3D microporous BNC scaffolds using porogen particles during fermentation with *Komagataeibacter medellinensis*.
• Deposited CPs onto BNC scaffolds via five immersion cycles of alternating insoluble calcium and phosphate salts.
• Analyzed scaffold morphology, pore size (70-350 µm), interconnectivity, crystal characteristics, and mineral phase (octacalcium dihydrogen hexakis phosphate pentahydrate - OCP) using SEM and XRD.

Main Results:

• SEM revealed varied pore sizes and affected interconnectivity based on biomineralization method and time.
• Rod-shaped CP crystals with a calcium-to-phosphate ratio similar to immature bone (1.13-1.6) were observed.
• Crystal size increased with cycles (25.12-35.9 nm), with OCP as the primary mineral phase.
• In vitro studies demonstrated good cellular adhesion and high cell viability (up to 95%).

Conclusions:

• 3D BNC scaffolds with controlled microporosity can be successfully prepared.
• The mineralized scaffolds support osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, showing potential for bone regeneration applications.