Mineralized Biopolymers-Based Scaffold Encapsulating with Dual Drugs for Alveolar Ridge Preservation

Mineralization of scaffolds is essential for alveolar ridge preservation and bone tissue engineering, enhancing the mechanical strength and bioactivity of scaffolds, and promoting better integration with natural bone tissue. While the in situ mineralization method using concentrated SBF solutions is promising, there is limited comprehensive research on its effects. In this study, it is demonstrate that soaking gelatin/alginate scaffolds (GAS) in fivefold concentrated SBF significantly reduces the mineralization time to 3-7 days but also leads to considerable degradation and loss of the scaffold's original microstructure. The ratio of gelatin to alginate is optimized to improve the properties of GAS. The optimized GAS sample, when soaked in concentrated SBF to form GAS/HAp, exhibited hydroxyapatite (HAp) crystal formation starting from day 3, with mature hexagonal crystals forming by day 7. However, this process also caused significant decomposition and deformation of the scaffold's pore structure. Additionally, the biocompatibility of GAS and GAS/HAp is evaluated through in vitro, in ovo, haemolysis, and anti-ROS assays. The findings highlight the impact of SBF_5× on the mineralization of GAS, laying the groundwork for further research in alveolar ridge preservation and bone tissue engineering.