Biomimetic hybrid bioactive glasses gelatin composite rescues alveolar socket healing from diabetic impairment

Diabetic individuals typically experience difficulties in healing their alveolar sockets due to impaired angiogenesis, persistent inflammation, and reduced osteoblastic activity. The development of biomimetic scaffolds that promote osteogenesis and restore the regenerative ability of diabetic bone remains a clinical necessity. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of novel gelatin-based hybrid composites incorporating silicate bioactive glasses (SBG) and borosilicate bioactive glasses (BBG) in facilitating alveolar bone regeneration in a diabetic rat model.

The sol-gel method was employed to synthesize SBG and BBG, which were subsequently incorporated into a five wt.% gelatin matrix to produce composite hydrogels designated as G-SBG and G-BBG. Five groups of 60 male albino rats were established: Group I (negative control), Group II (positive control), Group III (gelatin), Group IV (G-SBG), and Group V (G-BBG). Diabetes was induced, followed by the extraction of the bilateral lower first molars. Subsequently, the respective materials were implanted into the extraction sockets. After a period of recovery, mandibles underwent histological, scanning electron microscopy, and histomorphometric evaluations. Bone histomorphometry was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (p < 0.05).

The G-BBG composite exhibited advanced structural and biological characteristics. It exhibited interconnected porosity, controlled swelling, and uniform ion distribution. Histologically, Group V had new bone formation, enlarged vascular marrow gaps, osteon development, and a lack of inflammatory infiltration. Statistical analysis throughout the two periods revealed that group V (G-BBG) demonstrated a significant difference (p < 0.05) when compared to groups II (+ ve control), III (gelatin), and IV (G-SBG), whereas no significant difference was seen between group V (G-BBG) and group I (-ve control).

Incorporating BBG into a gelatin scaffold significantly enhanced the healing of alveolar bone in diabetic rats, restoring the bone structure to nearly normal levels. The gelatin/BBG hybrid composite serves as a promising biomimetic material for preserving the alveolar ridge and regenerating bone in patients with compromised healing capacity.