Pore graded borosilicate bioactive glass scaffolds: in vitro dissolution and cytocompatibility

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Materials Science

Background:

• 3D pore-graded bioactive glass scaffolds offer advantages for tissue engineering by allowing membrane deposition and preventing soft tissue infiltration.
• Borosilicate bioactive glasses (1393B20 and B12.5MgSr) were investigated for their potential in bone regeneration applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the in vitro dissolution and bioactivity of 3D borosilicate bioactive glass scaffolds.
• To assess the cytocompatibility and cellular response of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) on these scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Robocasting was used to prepare 3D scaffolds from 1393B20 and B12.5MgSr bioactive glasses.
• In vitro dissolution studies were conducted in TRIS and Simulated Body Fluid (SBF).
• Bioactivity was assessed via hydroxyapatite (HA) precipitation using ICP, FTIR-ATR, and SEM-EDX. Cell culture with hADSCs was performed to evaluate cell viability and morphology.

Main Results:

• 1393B20 scaffolds exhibited faster dissolution in TRIS and faster HA precipitation compared to B12.5MgSr.
• Both compositions showed HA precipitation, indicating bioactivity.
• A 3-day preincubation period was optimal to prevent burst ion release.
• hADSCs proliferated and spread on the scaffolds, with higher viability observed on 1393B20 scaffolds, attributed to optimal Ca2+ ion levels and pH.

Conclusions:

• The 1393B20 bioactive glass composition demonstrates promising potential for bone regeneration applications due to its favorable dissolution profile, rapid bioactivity, and superior cell viability.
• Optimized preincubation is crucial for managing ion release in bioactive glass scaffold applications.
• 3D pore-graded scaffolds are viable candidates for bone tissue engineering.