In vitro Ca-P precipitation on biodegradable thermoplastic composite of poly(ε-caprolactone-co-dl-lactide) and bioactive glass (S53P4)

Correlation between biomedical and structural properties of Zn/Sr modified calcium phosphates

This study investigates the correlation between the biomedical and structural properties of Zn/Sr-modified Calcium Phosphates (ZnSr-CaPs) synthesized via the sol-gel combustion method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the presence of Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 (HAp), CaCO3, and Ca(OH)2 phases in the undoped sample, while the additional phase, Ca3(PO4)2 (β-TCP) was formed in modified samples. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analysis demonstrated the incorporation of Sr into the lattice, with a preference for occupying the Ca1 sites in the HAp matrix. The introduction of Zn, furthermore, led to the formation of ZnO and CaZnO2 species. The ZnSr-CaPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species by ZnO, the oxidation reaction of CaZnO2, and the presence of Sr ions. Cytotoxicity tests revealed a correlation between the variation in ZnO content and cellular viability, with lower ZnO concentrations corresponding to higher cell viability. Additionally, the cooperative effects of Zn and Sr ions were found to enhance the bioactivity of CaPs, despite ZnO hindering the apatite formation process. These findings contribute to the deep understanding of the diverse role in modulating the antibacterial, cytotoxic, and bioactive properties of ZnSr-CaPs, offering potential applications in the field of biomaterials.

Development of a novel polycaprolactone based composite membrane for periodontal regeneration using spin coating technique

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is known to prevent the development of soft tissue on the defect sites as well as support the new bone formation on the other end. In the present study, we developed a multilayer biodegradable membrane for GBR applications. The multilayer membrane is primarily composed of β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP), polycaprolactone (PCL), and hyaluronic acid (HA), prepared by the spin-coating method. The triple layer system has PCL-TCP composite layer on top, a PCL layer in the middle, and PCL-HA as the bottom layer. The characterization of the PCL-TCP/PCL/PCL-HA by various techniques such as SEM, EDS, XRD, and FT-IR supported the uniform formation of the triple layers with an overall thickness of ∼ 72 µm. Multilayer composite membrane showed excellent physical parameters; neutral pH, high hydrophilicity, high swelling rate, low degradation rate, and high apatite formation after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 14 days. The multilayer membrane also exhibited biocompatibility which is evident by MTT assay and confocal images. The results suggested that the multilayer composite membrane has the potential for GBR applications.

Biocatalysis for terpene-based polymers

Accelerated generation of bio-based materials is vital to replace current synthetic polymers obtained from petroleum with more sustainable options. However, many building blocks available from renewable resources mainly contain unreactive carbon-carbon bonds, which obstructs their efficient polymerization. Herein, we highlight the potential of applying biocatalysis to afford tailored functionalization of the inert carbocyclic core of multicyclic terpenes toward advanced materials. As a showcase, we unlock the inherent monomer reactivity of norcamphor, a bicyclic ketone used as a monoterpene model system in this study, to afford polyesters with unprecedented backbones. The efficiencies of the chemical and enzymatic Baeyer-Villiger transformation in generating key lactone intermediates are compared. The concepts discussed herein are widely applicable for the valorization of terpenes and other cyclic building blocks using chemoenzymatic strategies.

Biocompatible Nanobioglass Reinforced Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Composites Synthesized via In Situ Ring Opening Polymerization

Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a bioresorbable synthetic polyester widely studied as a biomaterial for tissue engineering and controlled release applications, but its low bioactivity and weak mechanical performance limits its applications. In this work, nanosized bioglasses with two different compositions (SiO₂–CaO and SiO₂–CaO–P₂O₅) were synthesized with a hydrothermal method, and each one was used as filler in the preparation of PCL nanocomposites via the in situ ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone. The effect of the addition of 0.5, 1 and 2.5 wt % of the nanofillers on the molecular weight, structural, mechanical and thermal properties of the polymer nanocomposites, as well as on their enzymatic hydrolysis rate, bioactivity and biocompatibility was systematically investigated. All nanocomposites exhibited higher molecular weight values in comparison with neat PCL, and mechanical properties were enhanced for the 0.5 and 1 wt % filler content, which was attributed to extensive interactions between the filler and the matrix, proving the superiority of in situ polymerization over solution mixing and melt compounding. Both bioglasses accelerated the enzymatic degradation of PCL and induced bioactivity, since apatite was formed on the surface of the nanocomposites after soaking in simulated body fluid. Finally, all samples were biocompatible as Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) attached and proliferated on their surfaces.

Biodegradable ceramic-polymer composites for biomedical applications: A review

The present work focuses on the state-of-the-art of biodegradable ceramic-polymer composites with particular emphasis on influence of various types of ceramic fillers on properties of the composites. First, the general needs to create composite materials for medical applications are briefly introduced. Second, various types of polymeric materials used as matrices of ceramic-containing composites and their properties are reviewed. Third, silica nanocomposites and their material as well as biological characteristics are presented. Fourth, different types of glass fillers including silicate, borate and phosphate glasses and their effect on a number of properties of the composites are described. Fifth, wollastonite as a composite modifier and its effect on composite characteristics are discussed. Sixth, composites containing calcium phosphate ceramics, namely hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate and biphasic calcium phosphate are presented. Finally, general possibilities for control of properties of composite materials are highlighted.

In Vivo Behavior of Poly(∈-Caprolactone-co-DL-Lactide)/Bioactive Glass Composites in Rat Subcutaneous Tissue

In this study, tissue reactions and possible toxicological responses of two different bioactive and degradable composite materials consisting of poly( ∈-caprolactone-co-DL-lactide) and bioactive glass (S53P4) granules were evaluated. The chosen materials were implanted subcutaneously in the back of rats for six months. The glass granules retained their bioactivity within the polymer matrices. A fibrous capsule formed around all tested materials and around the materials containing bioactive glass the fibrous capsules appeared to be thicker. Tissue growth into these materials was observed during the healing period while no growth was noticed into the plain polymer matrices. No adverse reactions were seen with any of the evaluated materials.

In vitro and in vivo bone formation potential of surface calcium phosphate-coated polycaprolactone and polycaprolactone/bioactive glass composite scaffolds

In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL)-based composite scaffolds containing 50wt% of 45S5 Bioglass(®) (45S5) or strontium-substituted bioactive glass (SrBG) particles were fabricated into scaffolds using an additive manufacturing technique for bone tissue engineering purposes. The PCL scaffolds were surface coated with calcium phosphate (CaP) to enable further comparison of the osteoinductive potential of different scaffolds: PCL (control), PCL/CaP-coated, PCL/50-45S5 and PCL/50-SrBG scaffolds. The PCL/50-45S5 and PCL/50-SrBG composite scaffolds were reproducibly manufactured with a morphology highly resembling that of PCL only scaffolds. However, 50wt% loading of the bioactive glass (BG) particles into the PCL bulk decreased the scaffold's compressive Young's modulus. Coating of PCL scaffolds with CaP had a negligible effect on the scaffold's porosity and compressive Young's modulus. When immersed in culture media, BG dissolution ions (Si and Sr) were detected for up to 10weeks in the immersion media and surface precipitates were formed on both PCL/50-45S5 and PCL/50-SrBG scaffolds' surfaces, indicating good in vitro bioactivity. In vitro cell studies were conducted using sheep bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) under non-osteogenic or osteogenic conditioned media, and under static or dynamic culture environments. All scaffolds were able to support cell adhesion, growth and proliferation. However, when cultured in non-osteogenic media, only PCL/CaP, PCL/50-45S5 and PCL/50-SrBG scaffolds showed an up-regulation of osteogenic gene expression. Additionally, under a dynamic culture environment, the rate of cell growth, proliferation and osteoblast-related gene expression was enhanced across all scaffold groups. Subsequently, PCL/CaP, PCL/50-45S5 and PCL/50-SrBG scaffolds, with or without seeded cells, were implanted subcutaneously into nude rats for the evaluation of osteoinductivity potential. After 8 and 16weeks, host tissue infiltrated well into the scaffolds, but no mature bone formation was observed in any scaffolds groups.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

This novelty of this research work is that it provide a comprehensive comparison, both in vitro and in vivo, between 3 different composite materials widely used in the field of bone tissue engineering for their bone regeneration capabilities. The materials used in this study include polycaprolactone, 45S5 Bioglass, strontium-substituted bioactive glass and calcium phosphate. Additionally, the composite materials were fabricated into the form of 3D scaffolds using additive manufacturing technique, a widely used technique in tissue engineering.

Osseointegration of fiber-reinforced composite implants: histological and ultrastructural observations

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone tissue response to fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) in comparison with titanium (Ti) implants after 12 weeks of implantation in cancellous bone using histomorphometric and ultrastructural analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty grit-blasted cylindrical FRC implants with BisGMA-TEGDMA polymer matrix were fabricated and divided into three groups: (1) 60s light-cured FRC (FRC-L group), (2) 24h polymerized FRC (FRC group), and (3) bioactive glass FRC (FRC-BAG group). Titanium implants were used as a control group. The surface analyses were performed with scanning electron microscopy and 3D SEM. The bone-implant contact (BIC) and bone area (BA) were determined using histomorphometry and SEM. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed on Focused Ion Beam prepared samples of the intact bone-implant interface.

RESULTS

The FRC, FRC-BAG and Ti implants were integrated into host bone. In contrast, FRC-L implants had a consistent fibrous capsule around the circumference of the entire implant separating the implant from direct bone contact. The highest values of BIC were obtained with FRC-BAG (58±11%) and Ti implants (54±13%), followed by FRC implants (48±10%), but no significant differences in BIC or BA were observed (p=0.07, p=0.06, respectively). TEM images showed a direct contact between nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite of bone and both FRC and FRC-BAG surfaces.

CONCLUSION

Fiber-reinforced composite implants are capable of establishing a close bone contact comparable with the osseointegration of titanium implants having similar surface roughness.

Enhanced osteogenicity of bioactive composites with biomimetic treatment

Purpose. This study aimed to explore if initiation of biomimetic apatite nucleation can be used to enhance osteoblast response to biodegradable tissue regeneration composite membranes. Materials and Methods. Bioactive thermoplastic composites consisting of poly(ε-caprolactone/DL-lactide) and bioactive glass (BAG) were prepared at different stages of biomimetic calcium phosphate deposition by immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). The modulation of the BAG dissolution and the osteogenic response of rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were analyzed. Results. SBF treatment resulted in a gradual calcium phosphate deposition on the composites and decreased BAG reactivity in the subsequent cell cultures. Untreated composites and composites covered by thick calcium phosphate layer (14 days in SBF) expedited MSC mineralization in comparison to neat polymers without BAG, whereas other osteogenic markers—alkaline phosphatase activity, bone sialoprotein, and osteocalcin expression—were initially decreased. In contrast, surfaces with only small calcium phosphate aggregates (five days in SBF) had similar early response than neat polymers but still demonstrated enhanced mineralization. Conclusion. A short biomimetic treatment enhances osteoblast response to bioactive composite membranes.

Acid neutralizing, mechanical and physical properties of pit and fissure sealants containing melt-derived 45S5 bioactive glass

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 45S5 bioactive glass (BAG) on the acid neutralizing, mechanical and physical properties of pit and fissure sealants.

METHODS

45S5BAG (<25 μm) was mixed with the silanized glass (180 ± 30 nm) and added into a resin matrix [Bis-GMA/TEGDMA 50/50 (wt%) containing 1% of DMAEMA/CQ 2:1 (wt%)] with varying filler proportions; 0% 45S5BAG+50% glass (BAG0); 12.5% 45S5BAG+37.5% glass (BAG12.5); 25% 45S5BAG+25% glass (BAG25); 37.5% 45S5BAG+12.5% glass (BAG37.5); and 50% 45S5BAG+0% glass (BAG50). To evaluate the acid neutralizing properties, specimens were immersed in lactic acid solution (pH 4.0). Then, the change in pH and the time required to raise the pH from 4.0 to 5.5 were measured. In addition, flexural strength, water sorption and solubility were analyzed.

RESULTS

The acid neutralizing properties of each group exhibited increasing pH values as more 45S5BAG was added, and the time required to raise the pH from 4.0 to 5.5 became shorter as the proportion of 45S5BAG increased (P<0.05). Additionally, the flexural strength decreased according to the increasing proportions of 45S5BAG added (P<0.05). Water sorption showed an increasing trend with increasing proportions of 45S5 BAG added (P<0.05). However, the solubility results were similar among the groups (P>0.05), except for BAG50.

SIGNIFICANCE

The novel pit and fissure sealants neutralized the acid solution (pH 4.0) and exhibited appropriate mechanical and physical properties. Therefore, these compounds are suitable candidates for caries-inhibiting dental materials.

Microstructure and chemistry affects apatite nucleation on calcium phosphate bone graft substitutes

The bioactivity of calcium phosphate bone grafts of varying chemistry and strut-porosity was compared by determining the rate of formation of hydroxycarbonate apatite crystals on the material surface after being soaked in simulated body fluid for up to 30 days. Three groups of silicate-substituted hydroxyapatite material were tested, with each group comprising a different quantity of strut-porosity (23, 32, and 46 % volume). A commercially available porous β-tricalcium phosphate bone graft substitute was tested for comparison. Results indicate that strut-porosity of a material affects the potential for formation of a precursor to bone-like apatite and further confirms previous findings that β-tricalcium phosphate is less bioactive than hydroxyapatite.

Phase composition and in vitro bioactivity of porous implants made of bioactive glass S53P4

This work studied the influence of sintering temperature on the phase composition, compression strength and in vitro properties of implants made of bioactive glass S53P4. The implants were sintered within the temperature range 600-1000°C. Over the whole temperature range studied, consolidation took place mainly via viscous flow sintering, even though there was partial surface crystallization. The mechanical strength of the implants was low but increased with the sintering temperature, from 0.7 MPa at 635°C to 10 MPa at 1000°C. Changes in the composition of simulated body fluid (SBF), the immersion solution, were evaluated by pH measurements and ion analysis using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The development of a calcium phosphate layer on the implant surfaces was verified using scanning electron microscopy-electron-dispersive X-ray analysis. When immersed in SBF, a calcium phosphate layer formed on all the samples, but the structure of this layer was affected by the surface crystalline phases. Hydroxyapatite formed more readily on amorphous and partially crystalline implants containing both primary Na(2)O·CaO·2SiO(2) and secondary Na(2)Ca(4)(PO(4))(2)SiO(4) crystals than on implants containing only primary crystals.

A Novel Ultra-porous Titanium Dioxide Ceramic with Excellent Biocompatibility

The current study compares biocompatibility, cell growth and morphology, pore diameter distribution, and interconnectivity of a novel titanium dioxide (TiO2) bone graft substitute granules with three different commercially available bone graft granules Natix®, Straumann® BoneCeramic, and Bio-Oss®. Human primary mesenchymal stem cells were cultured on the bone graft substitutes and cell viability and proliferation were evaluated after 1 and 3 days. The microstructural properties of the bone graft substitutes were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, micro-computed tomography analysis, and mechanical testing. The cell viability and proliferation, porosity, interconnectivity, open pore size, and surface area-to-volume ratio of TiO2 granules were significantly higher than commercial bone granules (Bio-Oss® and Straumann ® BoneCeramic).

Adhesion of respiratory-infection-associated microorganisms on degradable thermoplastic composites

The purpose of this study was to evaluate bacterial adhesion and early colonization on a composite consisting of bioactive glass (BAG) particles and copolymer of epsilon-caprolactone/D,L-lactide. Materials were incubated with suspensions of both type strains and clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa for 30 minutes (adhesion) and 4 hours (colonization). Clear differences exist in the microorganisms' ability to adhere on the experimental materials. However, the presence of BAG particles does not inhibit bacterial adhesion, but early colonization of the materials with P. aeruginosa was inhibited by the addition of 90-315 mum BAG particles.

Biomaterials in orthopaedics

At present, strong requirements in orthopaedics are still to be met, both in bone and joint substitution and in the repair and regeneration of bone defects. In this framework, tremendous advances in the biomaterials field have been made in the last 50 years where materials intended for biomedical purposes have evolved through three different generations, namely first generation (bioinert materials), second generation (bioactive and biodegradable materials) and third generation (materials designed to stimulate specific responses at the molecular level). In this review, the evolution of different metals, ceramics and polymers most commonly used in orthopaedic applications is discussed, as well as the different approaches used to fulfil the challenges faced by this medical field.

Preparation and in vitro characterization of scaffolds of poly(L-lactic acid) containing bioactive glass ceramic nanoparticles

Porous nanocomposite scaffolds of poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) containing different quantities of bioactive glass ceramic (BGC) nanoparticles (SiO(2):CaO:P(2)O(5) approximately 55:40:5 (mol)) were prepared by a thermally induced phase-separation method. Dioxane was used as the solvent for PLLA. Introduction of less than 20wt.% of BGC nanoparticles did not remarkably affect the porosity of PLLA foam. However, as the BGC content increased to 30wt.%, the porosity of the composite was observed to decrease rapidly. The compressive modulus of the scaffolds increased from 5.5 to 8.0MPa, while the compressive strength increased from 0.28 to 0.35MPa as the BGC content increased from 0 to 30wt.%. The in vitro bioactivity and biodegradability of nanocomposites were investigated by incubation in simulated body fluid (SBF) and phosphate-buffered saline, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were employed to monitor the surface variation of neat PLLA and PLLA/BGC porous scaffolds during incubation. PLLA/(20wt.%)BGC composite exhibited the best mineralization property in SBF, while the PLLA/(10wt.%)BGC composite showed the highest water absorption ability.

In vitro bioactivity and degradation of polycaprolactone composites containing silicate fillers

In spite of numerous publications on the potential use of combinations of polycaprolactone (PCL)/bioactive fillers for bone regeneration, little information exists on the assessment of solid, nonporous composites prepared via solventless routes and consisting of unmodified, slowly degrading homopolymer with relatively low amounts of reactive fillers such as bioglass or calcium silicate (CS). Thus, composites of PCL with commercial CS and a bioactive glass (BG45S5) at 30wt.% were produced by melt mixing in a twin screw extruder. Neat fillers, PCL and their composites were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) and phosphate buffer saline and tested for in vitro bioactivity and degradation, respectively, over a 4 month period. Testing methods included scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis and weight and pH changes before and after immersion. Experiments with neat fillers indicated fast growth of calcium phosphate minerals having different textures; they included clusters and globules of mineral precipitates as well as needle-shaped nanosized crystallites and possibly other calcium phosphate structures with varying Ca/P ratio. The bioactive glass composite initially showed fast growth of the precipitated minerals and partial surface coverage after 1 week, whereas in the CS composite, growth and surface coverage increased as a function of immersion time (over a period of 4 weeks) in the SBF solution. XRD results showed early appearance (1 week) of hydroxyapatite for both types of composites with differences attributed to different dissolution rates and different surface reactions of the fillers. Both fillers appeared to enhance the hydrolytic degradation of the matrix. Overall, the limited observed bioactivity of both composites within the test period may be related to the hydrophobicity of the matrix, insufficient ionic activity since SBF was not replenished and the relatively low content of the low surface areas fillers. Optimization of filler properties, such as surface/volume ratio, surface chemistry and size range, appears as a most important factor that would provide, at the required high filler volume fractions, a balance of melt processability and bioactivity.

Preparation and characterization of nano‐hydroxyapatite/chitosan/konjac glucomannan composite

Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA)/chitosan (CS)/konjac glucomannan (KGM) composite was prepared by coprecipitation method and investigated by thermal gravitivity/differentiate thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray analyzer. The analyses showed that the three phases of n-HA, CS, and KGM combined closely to each other. Further, in vitro tests were conducted to investigate the degradation and bioactivity of the composite. During immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF), pores appeared and a new substance containing Ca and P formed on the surface of the composite. Also, the concentration of Ca and P in SBF changed and weight loss of the composite was observed during time. The composite revealed a high degradation in SBF. Evidently, the new composite has a potential to be used as a carrier of implantable drug delivery system. The biodegradation rate and route could be different from CS and KGM, which will provide an opportunity to control the degradation rate or drug releasing rate by simply adjusting the ratio of CS and KGM.

Crosslinked poly(epsilon-caprolactone/D,L-lactide)/bioactive glass composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

A series of elastic polymer and composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications were designed. Two crosslinked copolymer matrices with 90/10 and 30/70 mol % of epsilon-caprolactone (CL) and D,L-lactide (DLLA) were prepared with porosities from 45 to 85 vol % and their mechanical and degradation properties were tested. Corresponding composite scaffolds with 20-50 wt % of particulate bioactive glass (BAG) were also characterized. Compressive modulus of polymer scaffolds ranged from 190+/-10 to 900+/-90 kPa. Lactide rich scaffolds absorbed up to 290 wt % of water in 4 weeks and mainly lost their mechanical properties. Caprolactone rich scaffolds absorbed no more than 110 wt % of water in 12 weeks and kept their mechanical integrity. Polymer and composite scaffolds prepared with P(CL/DLLA 90/10) matrix and 60 vol % porosity were further analyzed in simulated body fluid and in osteoblast culture. Cell growth was compromised inside the 2 mm thick three-dimensional scaffold specimens as a static culture model was used. However, composite scaffolds with BAG showed increased osteoblast adhesion and mineralization when compared to neat polymer scaffolds.

Bioactive composite materials for tissue engineering scaffolds

Synthetic bioactive and bioresorbable composite materials are becoming increasingly important as scaffolds for tissue engineering. Next-generation biomaterials should combine bioactive and bioresorbable properties to activate in vivo mechanisms of tissue regeneration, stimulating the body to heal itself and leading to replacement of the scaffold by the regenerating tissue. Certain bioactive ceramics such as tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite as well as bioactive glasses, such as 45S5 Bioglass, react with physiologic fluids to form tenacious bonds with hard (and in some cases soft) tissue. However, these bioactive materials are relatively stiff, brittle and difficult to form into complex shapes. Conversely, synthetic bioresorbable polymers are easily fabricated into complex structures, yet they are too weak to meet the demands of surgery and the in vivo physiologic environment. Composites of tailored physical, biologic and mechanical properties as well as predictable degradation behavior can be produced combining bioresorbable polymers and bioactive inorganic phases. This review covers recent international research presenting the state-of-the-art development of these composite systems in terms of material constituents, fabrication technologies, structural and bioactive properties, as well as in vitro and in vivo characteristics for applications in tissue engineering and tissue regeneration. These materials may represent the effective optimal solution for tailored tissue engineering scaffolds, making tissue engineering a realistic clinical alternative in the near future.

Biodegradable and bioactive porous polymer/inorganic composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Biodegradable polymers and bioactive ceramics are being combined in a variety of composite materials for tissue engineering scaffolds. Materials and fabrication routes for three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds with interconnected high porosities suitable for bone tissue engineering are reviewed. Different polymer and ceramic compositions applied and their impact on biodegradability and bioactivity of the scaffolds are discussed, including in vitro and in vivo assessments. The mechanical properties of today's available porous scaffolds are analyzed in detail, revealing insufficient elastic stiffness and compressive strength compared to human bone. Further challenges in scaffold fabrication for tissue engineering such as biomolecules incorporation, surface functionalization and 3D scaffold characterization are discussed, giving possible solution strategies. Stem cell incorporation into scaffolds as a future trend is addressed shortly, highlighting the immense potential for creating next-generation synthetic/living composite biomaterials that feature high adaptiveness to the biological environment.

In vitro apatite forming ability of type I collagen hydrogels containing bioactive glass and silica sol-gel particles

Type I collagen hydrogel containing bioactive glass (CaO-P2O5-SiO2) and silica sol-gel micrometric particles were prepared and their in vitroapatite-forming ability in simulated body fluid assessed. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that bioactive glass particles entrapment in collagen matrix did not inhibit calcium phosphate formation and induced morphology variations on the crystalline phase precipitated on the hydrogel surface. The silica--collagen hydrogel composite precipitated calcium phosphate whereas silica particles and collagen hydrogel alone did not, indicating a possible synergetic effect between collagen and silica on the apatite-forming ability. Mechanisms of calcium phosphate precipitation and its relevance to biomaterial development are discussed.

Compressive strength and surface characterization of glass ionomer cements modified by particles of bioactive glass

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine compressive strength, Young's modulus of elasticity, and Vickers' surface hardness, of conventional cure and resin-modified glass ionomer cements after the addition of bioactive glass (BAG) particles into the cements.

METHODS

Experimental glass ionomer cement (GIC)-BAG materials were made by mixing 10- or 30-wt% of BAG particles with conventional cure and resin-modified GIC powders. Materials were processed into cylindrical specimens and immersed in water for 1, 3, 7, 14, 30 and 180 days before mechanical tests. SEM and EDS analysis was used to characterize the changes in surface topography and the main elemental composition.

RESULTS

The compressive strength of the test specimens decreased with the increasing amount of BAG. The compressive strength of resin-modified GIC increased during the immersion, but remained at a lower level than that of the other materials. The conventional cure GIC-based materials had on average 55% higher surface microhardness than the resin-modified materials. In the elemental composition, more Ca was detected in the BAG-containing materials than in the pure GICs. The amount of F was significantly higher (p < 0.001) on all resin-modified materials, being highest on resin-modified GIC with 30-wt% of BAG after 180d of immersion.

SIGNIFICANCE

The addition of BAG to GIC compromises the mechanical properties of the materials to some extent. Thus, their clinical use ought to be restricted to applications where their bioactivity can be beneficial, such as root surface fillings and liners in dentistry, and where high compressive strength is not necessarily needed.