Novel Sulfated Alginate-Cerium Bioactive Glass Scaffolds: Promising Platform for Cardiac Tissue Regeneration

Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of global mortality and morbidity, despite advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Cardiac tissue engineering (CTE) offers a promising approach to repairing damaged myocardium through bioengineered constructs that closely mimic native cardiac tissue. The integration of biomaterials that enhance angiogenesis, exhibit antioxidant activity, and support cellular proliferation can further improve regenerative outcomes. This study aimed to assess the potential of a sulfated alginate (S-Alg)/cerium-doped 45S5 bioactive glass (Ce-BG) scaffold as a cardiac patch for tissue engineering applications.

In this experimental study, novel porous scaffolds composed of S-Alg and Ce-BG were fabricated using a freeze-drying technique. The scaffolds underwent comprehensive physicochemical characterization and cytocompatibility evaluation. Their angiogenic potential was assessed by quantifying vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) expression using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) over a seven-day period. Additionally, scaffold antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed an interconnected porous network with an average pore diameter of 100-300 μm. Incorporation of BG particles led to a reduction in tensile strength and Young's modulus. The ion release profile demonstrated sustained release of bioactive ions. MTT assays and cell morphology analyses confirmed scaffold cytocompatibility, supporting adhesion and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). qRT-PCR showed significant upregulation of VEGFR2 in HUVECs cultured on Ce-containing scaffolds over seven days. Moreover, the addition of Ce enhanced the antioxidant activity of BG-containing scaffolds, effectively scavenging DPPH radicals over time, highlighting their potential for cardiac patch applications.

The S-Alg/Ce-BG composite scaffold exhibits favorable properties for CTE, including cytocompatibility, enhanced angiogenic potential, and antioxidant activity. These features highlight the scaffold as a highly promising candidate for advancing cardiac tissue regeneration strategies.