Polymer-ceramic spiral structured scaffolds for bone tissue engineering: effect of hydroxyapatite composition on human fetal osteoblasts

Bioprinting techniques for regeneration of oral and craniofacial tissues: Current advances and future prospects

Background

Regenerative dentistry aims to reinstate, fix, renew, and regrow tissues within the oral and craniofacial domain. Existing regenerative methods are based on insights into tissue biology or disease processes that lead to tissue degradation. However, achieving complete and functional Tissue regeneration remains a primary challenge in real-world medical scenarios.

Aim

The review focuses on the application of bioprinting techniques for rejuvenating intricate Oral and craniofacial tissues, such as craniofacial bone, periodontal ligament, cementum, dental pulp, temporomandibular joint cartilage, and whole teeth.

Methods

Bioprinting, a cutting-edge technology in regenerative dentistry, strives to create entirely new Functional tissues and organs. This approach merges principles from engineering and biology to produce three-dimensional biologically operational constructs containing bioactive substances, Living cells and cell clusters using automated bioprinters. The review summarizes the outcomes achieved through bioprinting techniques in both in vitro (laboratory experiments) and in vivo (Studies on living organisms) experiments.

Result

The emergence of this innovative tissue engineering technology has yielded highly promising outcomes during the experimental stages.

Conclusion

These promising experimental results necessitate replication through human clinical trials to ascertain the viability of bioprinting techniques for mainstream clinical implementation in regenerative dentistry.

3D Printed Eggshell Microparticle-Laden Thermoplastic Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, an additive manufacturing technique, is increasingly used in the field of tissue engineering. The ability to create complex structures with high precision makes the 3D printing of this material a preferred method for constructing personalized and functional materials. However, the challenge lies in developing affordable and accessible materials with the desired physiochemical and biological properties. In this study, we used eggshell microparticles (ESPs), an example of bioceramic and unconventional biomaterials, to reinforce thermoplastic poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds via extrusion-based 3D printing. The goal was to conceive a sustainable, affordable, and unique personalized medicine approach. The scaffolds were fabricated with varying concentrations of eggshells, ranging from 0 to 50% (w/w) in the PCL scaffolds. To assess the physicochemical properties, we employed scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Mechanical properties were evaluated through compression testing, and degradation kinetics were studied through accelerated degradation with the remaining mass ranging between 89.4 and 28.3%. In vitro, we evaluated the characteristics of the scaffolds using the MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts over a 14 day period. In vitro characterization involved the use of the Alamar blue assay, confocal imaging, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of 3D printed biocomposite scaffolds, consisting of thermoplastic PCL reinforced with ESPs, as a promising alternative for bone-graft applications.

In Vitro Evaluation of Pore Size Graded Bone Scaffolds with Different Material Composition

The demand for biomimetic and biocompatible scaffolds in equivalence of structure and material composition for the regeneration of bone tissue is relevantly high. This article is investigating a novel three-dimensional (3D) printed porous structure called bone bricks with a gradient pore size mimicking the structure of the bone tissue. Poly-ɛ-caprolactone (PCL) combined with ceramics such as hydroxyapatite (HA), β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP), and bioglass 45S5 were successfully mixed using a melt blending method and fabricated with the use of screw-assisted extrusion-based additive manufacturing system. Bone bricks containing the same material concentration (20 wt%) were biologically characterized through proliferation and differentiation tests. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the morphology of cells on the surface of bone bricks, whereas energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy was used to investigate the element composition on the surface of the bone bricks. Confocal imaging was used to investigate the number of differentiated cells on the surface of bone bricks. Proliferation results showed that bone bricks containing PCL/HA content are presenting higher proliferation properties, whereas differentiation results showed that bone bricks containing PCL/Bioglass 45S5 are presenting higher differentiation properties. Confocal imaging results showed that bone bricks containing PCL/Bioglass 45S5 are presenting a higher number of differentiated cells on their surface compared with the other material contents.

Mechanism and application of 3D-printed degradable bioceramic scaffolds for bone repair

Bioceramics have attracted considerable attention in the field of bone repair because of their excellent osteogenic properties, degradability, and biocompatibility. To resolve issues regarding limited formability, recent studies have introduced 3D printing technology for the fabrication of bioceramic bone repair scaffolds. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which bioceramics promote bone repair and clinical applications of 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds remain elusive. This review provides an account of the fabrication methods of 3D-printed degradable bioceramic scaffolds. In addition, the types and characteristics of degradable bioceramics used in clinical and preclinical applications are summarized. We have also highlighted the osteogenic molecular mechanisms in biomaterials with the aim of providing a basis and support for future research on the clinical applications of degradable bioceramic scaffolds. Finally, new developments and potential applications of 3D-printed degradable bioceramic scaffolds are discussed with reference to experimental and theoretical studies.

Silane-modified hydroxyapatite nanoparticles incorporated into polydioxanone/poly(lactide-co-caprolactone) creates a novel toughened nanocomposite with improved material properties and in vivo inflammatory responses

The interface tissue between bone and soft tissues, such as tendon and ligament (TL), is highly prone to injury. Although different biomaterials have been developed for TL regeneration, few address the challenges of the TL-bone interface. Here, we aim to develop novel hybrid nanocomposites based on poly(p-dioxanone) (PDO), poly(lactide-co-caprolactone) (LCL), and hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles suitable for TL-bone interface repair. Nanocomposites, containing 3-10% of both unmodified and chemically modified hydroxyapatite (mHA) with a silane coupling agent. We then explored biocompatibility through in vitro and in vivo studies using a subcutaneous mouse model. Through different characterisation tests, we found that mHA increases tensile properties, creates rougher surfaces, and reduces crystallinity and hydrophilicity. Morphological observations indicate that mHA nanoparticles are attracted by PDO rather than LCL phase, resulting in a higher degradation rate for mHA group. We found that adding the 5% of nanoparticles gives a balance between the properties. In vitro experiments show that osteoblasts' activities are more affected by increasing the nanoparticle content compared with fibroblasts. Animal studies indicate that both HA and mHA nanoparticles (10%) can reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines after six weeks of implantation. In summary, this work highlights the potential of PDO/LCL/HA nanocomposites as an excellent biomaterial for TL-bone interface tissue engineering applications.

In vivo assessment of bone repair by an injectable nanocomposite scaffold for local co-delivery of autologous platelet-rich plasma and calcitonin in rat model

Background: Gellan gum is obtained from the bacterium Sphingomonas elodea and is a polysaccharide with carboxylic acid functional groups. The goal of this project was to investigate the osteoinductive effect of local administration of calcitonin through an injectable scaffold of gellan gum containing salmon calcitonin loaded in silsesquioxane nanoparticles, hydroxyapatite, and platelets rich plasma.Methods: The femur of rats was defected by creating a 2 × 5 mm² hole using an electric drill. The defect was filled with an injectable hydrogel scaffold composed of gellan gum enriched with salmon calcitonin loaded in silsesquioxane nanoparticles, hydroxyapatite, platelets rich plasma and then the radiologic images were taken. Bone densitometry and the histologic studies were carried out by Hematoxylin & Eosin test. Biochemical analysis was done to measure the serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, calcitonin concentration.Results: Healing of the bone defects and bone densitometry in the treated group by calcitonin-loaded scaffold was significantly higher (p < 0.05) and bone formation occupied 75% of the defect that was greater than other groups. Serum ALP and calcium levels in the scaffold-loaded calcitonin group were more than the other groups (p < 0.05). The osteogenic marker genes also increased significantly (p < 0.05) with free calcitonin and the scaffold.Conclusions: Gellan gum-based scaffold loaded with calcitonin may be considered a promising local treatment to progress bone formation in repairing of skeletal injuries.

Bioactivity of star-shaped polycaprolactone/chitosan composite hydrogels for biomaterials

Recently, our group reported the synthesis and fabrication of composite hydrogels of chitosan (CS) and star-shaped polycaprolactone (stPCL). The co-crosslink of modified stPCL with carboxyl at the end chain (stPCL-COOH) provided good mechanical properties and stability to the composite hydrogels. This research presents the bioactivities of composite hydrogels showing a potential candidate to develop biomaterials such as wound dressing and bone tissue engineering. The bioactivities were the antibacterial activity, cell viability, skin irritation, decomposability, and ability to attach ions for apatite nucleation. The results showed that all the composite hydrogels were completely decomposed within 2 days. The composite hydrogels had better antibacterial activity and higher efficiency to Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) than to Gram-positive (Staphylococcus epidermidis) bacteria. The composite hydrogels were studied for cell viability based on MTT assay and skin irritation on rabbit skin. The results indicated high cell survival more than 80% and no skin irritation. In addition, the results showed that calcium and phosphorous were preferentially attached to the composite hydrogel surface to grow apatite crystal (Ca/P ratio 1.86) compared to attaching to the chitosan hydrogel (Ca/P ratio 1.48) in 21 days of testing.

Biomimetic Mineralized Hydroxyapatite Nanofiber-Incorporated Methacrylated Gelatin Hydrogel with Improved Mechanical and Osteoinductive Performances for Bone Regeneration

Purpose

Methacrylic anhydride-modified gelatin (GelMA) hydrogels exhibit many beneficial biological features and are widely studied for bone tissue regeneration. However, deficiencies in the mechanical strength, osteogenic factors and mineral ions limit their application in bone defect regeneration. Incorporation of inorganic fillers into GelMA to improve its mechanical properties and bone regenerative ability has been one of the research hotspots.

Methods

In this work, hydroxyapatite nanofibers (HANFs) were prepared and mineralized in a simulated body fluid to make their components and structure more similar to those of natural bone apatite, and then different amounts of mineralized HANFs (m-HANFs) were incorporated into the GelMA hydrogel to form m-HANFs/GelMA composite hydrogels. The physicochemical properties, biocompatibility and bone regenerative ability of m-HANFs/GelMA were determined in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The results indicated that m-HANFs with high aspect ratio presented rough and porous surfaces coated with bone-like apatite crystals. The incorporation of biomimetic m-HANFs improved the biocompatibility, mechanical, swelling, degradation and bone regenerative performances of GelMA. However, the improvement in the performance of the composite hydrogel did not continuously increase as the amount of added m-HANFs increased, and the 15m-HANFs/GelMA group exhibited the best swelling and degradation performances and the best bone repair effect in vivo among all the groups.

Conclusion

The biomimetic m-HANFs/GelMA composite hydrogel can provide a novel option for bone tissue engineering in the future; however, it needs further investigations to optimize the proportions of m-HANFs and GelMA for improving the bone repair effect.

Fabrication techniques involved in developing the composite scaffolds PCL/HA nanoparticles for bone tissue engineering applications

A fine-tuned combination of scaffolds, biomolecules, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is used in tissue engineering to restore the function of injured bone tissue and overcome the complications associated with its regeneration. For two decades, biomaterials have attracted much interest in mimicking the native extracellular matrix of bone tissue. To this aim, several approaches based on biomaterials combined with MSCs have been amply investigated. Recently, hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles have been incorporated with polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix as a suitable substitute for bone tissue engineering applications. This review article aims at providing a brief overview on PCL/HA composite scaffold fabrication techniques such as sol-gel, rapid prototyping, electro-spinning, particulate leaching, thermally induced phase separation, and freeze-drying, as suitable approaches for tailoring morphological, mechanical, and biodegradability properties of the scaffolds for bone tissues. Among these methods, the 3D plotting method shows improvements in pore architecture (pore size of ≥600 µm and porosity of 92%), mechanical properties (higher than 18.38 MPa), biodegradability, and good bioactivity in bone tissue regeneration.

Intra-Operative Bioprinting of Hard, Soft, and Hard/Soft Composite Tissues for Craniomaxillofacial Reconstruction

Reconstruction of complex craniomaxillofacial (CMF) defects is challenging due to the highly organized layering of multiple tissue types. Such compartmentalization necessitates the precise and effective use of cells and other biologics to recapitulate the native tissue anatomy. In this study, intra-operative bioprinting (IOB) of different CMF tissues, including bone, skin, and composite (hard/soft) tissues, is demonstrated directly on rats in a surgical setting. A novel extrudable osteogenic hard tissue ink is introduced, which induced substantial bone regeneration, with ≈80% bone coverage area of calvarial defects in 6 weeks. Using droplet-based bioprinting, the soft tissue ink accelerated the reconstruction of full-thickness skin defects and facilitated up to 60% wound closure in 6 days. Most importantly, the use of a hybrid IOB approach is unveiled to reconstitute hard/soft composite tissues in a stratified arrangement with controlled spatial bioink deposition conforming the shape of a new composite defect model, which resulted in ≈80% skin wound closure in 10 days and 50% bone coverage area at Week 6. The presented approach will be absolutely unique in the clinical realm of CMF defects and will have a significant impact on translating bioprinting technologies into the clinic in the future.

Capability of core-sheath polyvinyl alcohol-polycaprolactone emulsion electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds in releasing strontium ranelate for bone regeneration

Core-sheath nanofibrous scaffolds from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-strontium ranelate (SrR)-Polycaprolactone (PCL) were prepared by water in oil electrospinning method. Thus, PCL (the oil phase) was used as the shell part and a mixture of PVA and SrR (the water phase) was inserted in the core. The amounts of SrR was varied from 0 to 15 wt.% Mussel-inspired dopamine-gelatin coating was done on the nanofibrous to improve their hydrophilicity and cellular attachment. The effect of the SrR content on morphology, mechanical, physicochemical, in vitro release behaviors, and biological properties as well as in vivo bone regeneration was investigated. Morphological observations revealed that continuous nanofibers with a core/shell structure were successfully obtained and the fibers diameter increased as the SrR content rose. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that SrR was molecularly distributed in the nanofibers and increasing the amount of the SrR decreased the crystallinity of the nanofibers. Moreover, the SrR release was regulated through the mechanism of Fickian diffusion and it was assumed as fast as possible in the samples with higher SrR content. The mesenchymal stem cell culturing showed improved cell proliferation by adding SrR and accelerating the expression of ALP, Runx2, Col I, and OCN genes. Besides, the SrR-loaded nanofibers improved bone formation of calvarial defects in a rat model as revealed by in vivo investigations.

Polycaprolactone-Based Scaffolds Facilitates Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in a Co-Culture System

(1) Background: Stem cells in combination with scaffolds and bioactive molecules have made significant contributions to the regeneration of damaged bone tissues. A co-culture system can be effective in enhancing the proliferation rate and osteogenic differentiation of the stem cells. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose derived stem cells when co-cultured with human osteoblasts and seeded on polycaprolactone (PCL):hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffold; (2) Methods: Human adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) and human osteoblasts (HOB) were seeded in three different ratios of 1:2, 1:2 and 2:1 in the PCL-HA scaffolds. The osteogenic differentiation ability was evaluated based on cell morphology, proliferation rate, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium deposition and osteogenic genes expression levels using quantitative RT-PCR; (3) Results: The co-cultured of ASC/HOB in ratio 2:1 seeded on the PCL-HA scaffolds showed the most positive osteogenic differentiation as compared to other groups, which resulted in higher ALP activity, calcium deposition and osteogenic genes expression, particularly Runx, ALP and BSP. These genes indicate that the co-cultured ASC/HOB seeded on PCL-HA was at the early stage of osteogenic development; (4) Conclusions: The combination of co-culture system (ASC/HOB) and PCL-HA scaffolds promote osteogenic differentiation and early bone formation.

Fabrication techniques of biomimetic scaffolds in three-dimensional cell culture: A review

In the last four decades, several researchers worldwide have routinely and meticulously exercised cell culture experiments in two-dimensional (2D) platforms. Using traditionally existing 2D models, the therapeutic efficacy of drugs has been inappropriately validated due to the failure in generating the precise therapeutic response. Fortunately, a 3D model addresses the foregoing limitations by recapitulating the in vivo environment. In this context, one has to contemplate the design of an appropriate scaffold for favoring the organization of cell microenvironment. Instituting pertinent model on the platter will pave way for a precise mimicking of in vivo conditions. It is because animal cells in scaffolds oblige spontaneous formation of 3D colonies that molecularly, phenotypically, and histologically resemble the native environment. The 3D culture provides insight into the biochemical aspects of cell-cell communication, plasticity, cell division, cytoskeletal reorganization, signaling mechanisms, differentiation, and cell death. Focusing on these criteria, this paper discusses in detail, the diversification of polymeric scaffolds based on their available resources. The paper also reviews the well-founded and latest techniques of scaffold fabrication, and their applications pertaining to tissue engineering, drug screening, and tumor model development.

Mineralized Hydrogels Induce Bone Regeneration in Critical Size Cranial Defects

Sequential mineralization enables the integration of minerals within the 3D structure of hydrogels. Hydrolyzed collagen-based hydrogels are sequentially mineralized over 10 cycles. One cycle is defined as an incubation period in calcium chloride dihydrate followed by incubation in sodium phosphate dibasic dihydrate. Separate cycles are completed at 30-minute and 24-hour intervals. For the gels mineralized for 30 min and 24 h, the compressive moduli increases from 4.25 to 87.57 kPa and from 4.25 to 125.47 kPa, respectively, as the cycle number increases from 0 to 10. As indicated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR) analyses, the minerals in the scaffolds are mainly hydroxyapatite. In vitro experiments, which measure mechanical properties, porous structure, mineral content, and gene expression are performed to evaluate the physical properties and osteoinductivity of the scaffolds. Real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) demonstrates 4-10 fold increase in the expression of BMP-7 and osteocalcin. The in vivo subcutaneous implantation demonstrates that the scaffolds are biocompatible and 90% biodegradable. The critical size cranial defects in vivo exhibit nearly complete bone regeneration. Cycle 10 hydrogels mineralized for 24 h have a volume of 59.86 mm³ and a density of 1946.45 HU. These results demonstrate the suitability of sequentially mineralized hydrogel scaffolds for bone repair and regeneration.

Application of Inorganic Nanocomposite Hydrogels in Bone Tissue Engineering

Bone defects caused by trauma and surgery are common clinical problems encountered by orthopedic surgeons. Thus, a hard-textured, natural-like biomaterial that enables encapsulated cells to obtain the much-needed biophysical stimulation and produce functional bone tissue is needed. Incorporating nanomaterials into cell-laden hydrogels is a straightforward tactic for producing tissue engineering structures that integrate perfectly with the body and for tailoring the material characteristics of hydrogels without hindering nutrient exchange with the surroundings. In this review, recent developments in inorganic nanocomposite hydrogels for bone tissue engineering that are of vital importance but have not yet been comprehensively reviewed are summarized.

Excellency of Hydroxyapatite Composite Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

The hydroxyapatite [HAp, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] has a variety of applications in bone fillers and replacements due to its excellent bioactivity and osteoconductivity. It comprises the main inorganic component of hard tissues. Among the various approaches, a composite approach using several components like biopolymer, gelatin, collagen, and chitosan in the functionalization of scaffolds with HAp has the prospective to be an engineered biomaterial for bone tissue engineering. HAp composite scaffolds have been developed to obtain a material with different functionalities such as surface reactivity, bioactivity, mechanical strength, and capability of drug or growth factor delivery. Several techniques and processes for the synthesis and fabrication of biocompatible HAp composite scaffolds suitable for bone regeneration are addressed here. Further, this chapter described the excellences of various HAp composite scaffolds used in in vitro and in vivo experiments in bone tissue engineering.

Fabrication of polylactic acid (PLA)-based porous scaffold through the combination of traditional bio-fabrication and 3D printing technology for bone regeneration

Artificial bone grafts possess the advantages of good biodegradability, customizable dimensions, and sufficient mechanical properties, which can promote cell proliferation and differentiation in bone tissue regeneration. 3D printing is a delicate approach that endows the scaffolds with excellent controllability and repeatability when compared with conventional bio-fabrication methods. However, the limitation of printing resolution somehow makes it difficult to prepare bone defect substitution with high porosity and hierarchical construct. In this study, we utilized polylactic acid (PLA) as printing materials and developed a smart strategy to combine 3D printing technology with bio-fabrication methods. A porous planar scaffold was printed and then rolled up into a spiral structure with adjustable pore size and porosity. The topographic features and morphology of the artificial scaffolds were examined through stereomicroscope and SEM, respectively. The porous spiral scaffold presented good mechanical properties in a set of mechanical testing. Later, the human fetal osteoblasts (hFOB) were cultured on the porous spiral scaffold and its control groups for a total of 28 days. The MTS analysis, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay, and alizarin red S (ARS) staining were used to analyze the cell proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and mineral deposition after a certain period of time. The results indicated that compared with the other two scaffolds, the porous spiral scaffold with larger surface area and better interconnections between internal porous networks could significantly improve the spatial cell compartment and promote cell growth and differentiation. The porous spiral scaffold may see versatile applications in large-volume bone defects regeneration.

The 3D-Printed Bilayer's Bioactive-Biomaterials Scaffold for Full-Thickness Articular Cartilage Defects Treatment

The full-thickness articular cartilage defect (FTAC) is an abnormally severe grade of articular cartilage (AC) injury. An osteochondral autograft transfer (OAT) is the recommended treatment, but the increasing morbidity rate from osteochondral plug harvesting is a limitation. Thus, the 3D-printed bilayer’s bioactive-biomaterials scaffold is of major interest. Polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) were blended with hydroxyapatite (HA) for the 3D-printed bone layer of the bilayer’s bioactive-biomaterials scaffold (B-BBBS). Meanwhile, the blended PLA/PCL filament was 3D printed and combined with a chitosan (CS)/silk firoin (SF) using a lyophilization technique to fabricate the AC layer of the bilayer’s bioactive-biomaterials scaffold (AC-BBBS). Material characterization and mechanical and biological tests were performed. The fabrication process consists of combining the 3D-printed structure (AC-BBBS and B-BBBS) and a lyophilized porous AC-BBBS. The morphology and printing abilities were investigated, and biological tests were performed. Finite element analysis (FEA) was performed to predict the maximum load that the bilayer’s bioactive-biomaterials scaffold (BBBS) could carry. The presence of HA and CS/SF in the PLA/PCL structure increased cell proliferation. The FEA predicted the load carrying capacity to be up to 663.2 N. All tests indicated that it is possible for BBBS to be used in tissue engineering for AC and bone regeneration in FTAC treatment.

Collagen, polycaprolactone and attapulgite composite scaffolds for in vivo bone repair in rabbit models

Although numerous materials have been explored as bone scaffolds, many of them are limited by their low osteoconductivity and high biodegradability. Therefore, new materials are desired to induce bone cell proliferation and facilitate bone formation. Attapulgite (ATP) is a hydrated silicate that exists in nature as a fibrillar clay mineral and is well known for its large specific surface area, high viscosity, and high absorption capacity, and therefore has the potential to be a new type of bone repair material due to its unique physicochemical properties. In this study, composite scaffolds composed of collagen/polycaprolactone/attapulgite (CPA) or collagen/polycaprolactone (CP) were fabricated through a salt-leaching method. The morphology, composition, microstructure, physical, and mechanical characteristics of the CPA and CP scaffolds were assessed. Cells from the mouse multipotent mesenchymal precursor cell line (D1 cells) were cocultured with the scaffolds, and cell adhesion, proliferation, and gene expression on the CPA and CP scaffolds were analyzed. Adult rabbits with radius defects were used to evaluate the performance of these scaffolds in repairing bone defects over 4-12 weeks. The experimental results showed that the cells demonstrated excellent attachment ability on the CPA scaffolds, as well as remarkable upregulation of the levels of osteoblastic markers such as Runx2, Osterix, collagen 1, osteopontin, and osteocalcin. Furthermore, results from radiography, micro-computed tomography, histological and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that abundant new bones were formed on the CPA scaffolds. Ultimately, these results demonstrated that CPA composite scaffolds show excellent potential in bone tissue engineering applications, with the capacity to be used as effective bone regeneration and repair scaffolds in clinical applications.

Mechanical stimulation improves osteogenesis and the mechanical properties of osteoblast-laden RGD-functionalized polycaprolactone/hydroxyapatite scaffolds

This article presents the results of the combined effects of RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartate) functionalization and mechanical stimulation on osteogenesis that could lead to the development of implantable robust tissue-engineered mineralized constructs. Porous polycaprolactone/hydroxyapatite (PCL/HA) scaffolds are functionalized with RGD-C (arginine-glycine-aspartate-cysteine) peptide. The effects of RGD functionalization are then explored on human fetal osteoblast cell adhesion, proliferation, osteogenic differentiation (alkaline phosphatase activity), extracellular matrix (ECM) production, and mineralization over 28 days. The effects of RGD functionalization followed by mechanical stimulation with a cyclic fluid shear stress of 3.93 mPa in a perfusion bioreactor are also elucidated. The tensile properties (Young's moduli and ultimate tensile strengths) of the cell-laden scaffolds are measured at different stages of cell culture to understand how the mechanical properties of the tissue-engineered structures evolve. RGD functionalization is shown to promote initial cell adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and ECM production. However, it does not significantly affect mineralization and tensile properties. Mechanical stimulation after RGD functionalization is shown to further improve the ALP activity, ECM production, mineralization, and tensile properties, but not cell proliferation. The results suggest that combined RGD functionalization and mechanical stimulation of cell-laden PCL/HA scaffolds can be used to accelerate the regeneration of robust bioengineered bone structures.

Electrospun Icariin-Loaded Core-Shell Collagen, Polycaprolactone, Hydroxyapatite Composite Scaffolds for the Repair of Rabbit Tibia Bone Defects

Background

Electrospinning is a widely used technology that can produce scaffolds with high porosity and surface area for bone regeneration. However, the small pore sizes in electrospun scaffolds constrain cell growth and tissue-ingrowth. In this study, novel drug-loading core-shell scaffolds were fabricated via electrospinning and freeze drying to facilitate the repair of tibia bone defects in rabbit models.

Materials and Methods

The collagen core scaffolds were freeze-dried containing icariin (ICA)-loaded chitosan microspheres. The shell scaffolds were electrospun using collagen, polycaprolactone and hydroxyapatite materials to form CPH composite scaffolds with the ones containing ICA microspheres named CPHI. The core-shell scaffolds were then cross-linked by genipin. The morphology, microstructure, physical and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were assessed. Rat marrow mesenchymal stem cells from the wistar rat were cultured with the scaffolds. The cell adhesion and proliferation were analysed. Adult rabbit models with tibial plateau defects were used to evaluate the performance of these scaffolds in repairing the bone defects over 4 to 12 weeks.

Results

The results reveal that the novel drug-loading core-shell scaffolds were successfully fabricated, which showed good physical and chemical properties and appropriate mechanical properties. Furthermore, excellent cells attachment was observed on the CPHI scaffolds. The results from radiography, micro-computed tomography, histological and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that abundant new bones were formed on the CPHI scaffolds.

Conclusion

These new core-shell composite scaffolds have great potential for bone tissue engineering applications and may lead to effective bone regeneration and repair.

Calcium phosphate enriched synthetic tyrosine-derived polycarbonate - dicalcium phosphate dihydrate polymer scaffolds for enhanced bone regeneration

Optimal repair of large craniomaxillofacial (CMF) defects caused by trauma or disease requires the development of new, synthetic osteoconductive materials in combination with cell-based therapies, to overcome the limitations of traditionally used bone graft substitutes. In this study, tyrosine-derived polycarbonate, E1001(1k) scaffolds were fabricated to incorporate the osteoinductive coating, Dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD). The biocompatibility of E1001(1k)-DCPD, E1001(1k)-βTCP and E1001(1k) scaffolds was compared using in vitro culture with human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). We found that the DCPD coating was converted to carbonated hydroxyapatite over time in in vitro culture in Osteogenic Media, while the βTCP did not. hDPSCs exhibited slow initial attachment and proliferation on DCPD E1001(1k) scaffolds, but subsequently improved over time in culture, and promoted osteogenic differentiation. To the best of our knowledge, this study highlights for the first time the effects of Osteogenic Media on phase changes of DCPD, and on DCPD scaffold cytocompatibility with hDPSCs. DCPD showed similar hDPSC biocompatibility and osteoconductivity as compared to βTCP, and osteogenic differentiation of seeded hDPSCs. These studies suggest that E1001(1k)-DCPD scaffolds are a superior tool for craniofacial bone regeneration and provide the foundation for future in vivo testing.

Preparation and Characterization of Surface Heat Sintered Nanohydroxyapatite and Nanowhitlockite Embedded Poly (Lactic-co-glycolic Acid) Microsphere Bone Graft Scaffolds: In Vitro and in Vivo Studies

In the context of using bone graft materials to restore and improve the function of damaged bone tissues, macroporous biodegradable composite bone graft scaffolds have osteoinductive properties that allow them to provide a suitable environment for bone regeneration. Hydroxyapatite (HAP) and whitlockite (WLKT) are the two major components of hard tissues such as bone and teeth. Because of their biocompatibility and osteoinductivity, we synthesized HAP (nHAP) and WLKT nanoparticles (nWLKT) by using the chemical precipitation method. The nanoparticles were separately incorporated within poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres. Following this, the composite microspheres were converted to macroporous bone grafts with sufficient mechanical strength in pin or screw shape through surface sintering. We characterized physico-chemical and mechanical properties of the nanoparticles and composites. The biocompatibility of the grafts was further tested through in vitro cell adhesion and proliferation studies using rabbit bone marrow stem cells. The ability to promote osteogenic differentiation was tested through alkaline phosphate activity and immunofluorescence staining of bone marker proteins. For in vivo study, the bone pins were implanted in tibia bone defects in rabbits to compare the bone regeneration ability though H&E, Masson's trichrome and immunohistochemical staining. The results revealed similar physico-chemical characteristics and cellular response of PLGA/nHAP and PLGA/nWLKT scaffolds but the latter is associated with higher osteogenic potential towards BMSCs, pointing out the possibility to use this ceramic nanoparticle to prepare a sintered composite microsphere scaffold for potential bone grafts and tissue engineered implants.

Composite Cryogel with Polyelectrolyte Complexes for Growth Factor Delivery

Macroporous scaffolds composed of chitosan (CHI), hydroxyapatite (HA), heparin (Hep), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were prepared with a glutaraldehyde (GA) cross-linker by cryogelation. Addition of PVA to the reaction mixture slowed down the formation of a polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) between CHI and Hep, which allowed more thorough mixing, and resulted in the development of the homogeneous matrix structure. Freezing of the CHI-HA-GA and PVA-Hep-GA mixture led to the formation of a non-stoichiometric PEC between oppositely charged groups of CHI and Hep, which caused further efficient immobilization of bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP-2) possible due to electrostatic interactions. It was shown that the obtained cryogel matrix released BMP-2 and supported the differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rat BMSCs) into the osteogenic lineage. Rat BMSCs attached to cryogel loaded with BMP-2 and expressed osteocalcin in vitro. Obtained composite cryogel with PEC may have high potential for bone regeneration and tissue engineering applications.

Three-Dimensional Printing of Tissue Engineering Scaffolds with Horizontal Pore and Composition Gradients

IMPACT STATEMENT

In this study, we report the development of a novel multimaterial segmented three-dimensional printing methodology to fabricate porous scaffolds containing discrete horizontal gradients of composition and porosity. This methodology is particularly beneficial to preparing porous scaffolds with intricate structures and graded compositions for the regeneration of complex tissues. The technique presented is compatible with many commercially available bioprinters commonly used in biofabrication, and can be adapted to better replicate the architectural and compositional requirements of individual tissues compared with traditional scaffold printing methods.

Multiscale Porosity in Compressible Cryogenically 3D Printed Gels for Bone Tissue Engineering

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has seen several refinements when introduced in the field of medical devices and regenerative medicines. However, it is still a challenge to 3D print gels for building complex constructs as per the desired shape and size. Here, we present a novel method to 3D print gelatin/carboxymethylchitin/hydroxyapatite composite gel constructs of a complex shape. The objective of this study is to fabricate a bioactive gel scaffold with a controlled hierarchical structure. The hierarchy ranges from 3D outer shape to macroporosity to microporosity and rough surface. The fabrication process developed here uses 3D printing in a local cryogenic atmosphere, followed by lyophilization and cross-linking. The gel instantly freezes after extrusion on the cold plate. The cooling action is not limited to the build plate, but the entire gel scaffold is cooled during the 3D printing process. This enables the construction of a stable self-sustaining large-sized 3D complex geometry. Further, lyophilization introduces bulk microporosity into the scaffolds. The outer shape and macroporosity were controlled with the 3D printer, whereas the microporous structure and desirable rough surface morphology were obtained through lyophilization. With cryogenic 3D printing, up to 90% microporosity could be incorporated into the scaffolds. The microporosity and pore size distribution were controlled by changing the cross-linker and total polymer concentration, which resulted in six times increase in surface open pores of size <20 μm on increasing the cross-linker concentration from 25 to 100 mg/mL. The introduction of bulk microporosity was shown to increase swelling by 1.8 times along with a significant increase in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and Saos-2 cell attachment (2×), proliferation (2.4×), Saos-2 cell alkaline phosphatase level (2×), and mineralization (3×). The scaffolds are spongy in nature in a wet state, thus making them potential implants for bone cavities with a small opening. The application of these cryogenically 3D printed compressible gel scaffolds with multiscale porosity extends to a small- as well as a large-sized open/partially open patient-specific bone defect.

Bioactive fish scale incorporated chitosan biocomposite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Recently, biologically active natural macromolecules have come into prominence to be used as potential materials in scaffold design due to their unique characteristics which can mimic the human tissue structure with their physical and chemical similarity. Among them, fish scale (FS) is a biologically active material with its structural similarity to bone tissue due to including type I collagen and hydroxyapatite and also have distinctive collagen arrangement. In the present study, it is aimed to design a novel composite scaffold with FS incorporation into chitosan (CH) matrix for bone tissue regeneration. Therefore, two biological macromolecules, fish scale and chitosan, were combined to produce bio-composite scaffold. First, FS were decellularized with the chemical method and disrupted physically as microparticles (100 μm), followed by dispersal in CH with ultrasonic homogenisation, CH/FS scaffolds were fabricated by lyophilization technique. Scaffolds were characterized physically, chemically, mechanically, and morphologically. SEM and porosity results showed that CH/FS scaffolds have uniform pore structure showing high porosity. Mechanical properties and degradation rate are enhanced with increasing FS content. In vitro cytotoxicity, proliferation and osteogenic activity of the scaffolds were evaluated with SaOS-2 cell line. CH/FS scaffolds did not show any cytotoxicity effect and the cells were gradually proliferated during culture period. Cell viability results showed that, FS microparticles had a proliferative effect on SaOS-2 cells when compared to control group. ALP activity and biomineralization studies indicated that FS microparticle reinforcement increased osteogenic activity during culture period. As a biological macromolecule with unique characteristics, FS was found as cytocompatible and provided promising effects as reinforcement agents for polymeric scaffolds. In conclusion, fabricated CH/FS bio-composites showed potential for bone tissue engineering applications.

Recent Advances in Scaffold Design and Material for Vascularized Tissue-Engineered Bone Regeneration

Bone tissue is a highly vascularized tissue and concomitant development of the vascular system and mineralized matrix requires a synergistic interaction between osteogenesis and angioblasts. Several strategies have been applied to achieve vascularized tissue-engineered bone, including the addition of cytokines as well as pre-vascularization strategies and co-culture systems. However, the scaffold is another extremely important component to consider, and development of vascularized bone scaffolds remains one of the greatest challenges for engineering clinically relevant bone substitutes. Here, this review highlights the biomaterial selection, preparation of pre-vascularized scaffolds, composition modification of the scaffold, structural design, and the comprehensive use of the above synergistic modifications of scaffold materials for vascular scaffolds in bone tissue engineering. Moreover, a strategy is proposed for the design of future scaffold structures, in which promoting the regeneration of vascularized bone by regulating the microenvironment should be the main focus. This overview can help illuminate progress in this field and identify the most recently developed scaffolds that show the greatest potential for achieving clinically vascularized bone.

Synthetic Biodegradable Aliphatic Polyester Nanocomposites Reinforced with Nanohydroxyapatite and/or Graphene Oxide for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications

This paper provides review updates on the current development of bionanocomposites with polymeric matrices consisting of synthetic biodegradable aliphatic polyesters reinforced with nanohydroxyaptite (nHA) and/or graphene oxide (GO) nanofillers for bone tissue engineering applications. Biodegradable aliphatic polyesters include poly(lactic acid) (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL) and copolymers of PLA-PGA (PLGA). Those bionanocomposites have been explored for making 3D porous scaffolds for the repair of bone defects since nHA and GO enhance their bioactivity and biocompatibility by promoting biomineralization, bone cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation, thus facilitating new bone tissue formation upon implantation. The incorporation of nHA or GO into aliphatic polyester scaffolds also improves their mechanical strength greatly, especially hybrid GO/nHA nanofilllers. Those mechanically strong nanocomposite scaffolds can support and promote cell attachment for tissue growth. Porous scaffolds fabricated from conventional porogen leaching, and thermally induced phase separation have many drawbacks inducing the use of organic solvents, poor control of pore shape and pore interconnectivity, while electrospinning mats exhibit small pores that limit cell infiltration and tissue ingrowth. Recent advancement of 3D additive manufacturing allows the production of aliphatic polyester nanocomposite scaffolds with precisely controlled pore geometries and large pores for the cell attachment, growth, and differentiation in vitro, and the new bone formation in vivo.

Multimaterial Segmented Fiber Printing for Gradient Tissue Engineering

IMPACT STATEMENT

This study introduces a segmented three-dimensional printing methodology to create multimaterial porous scaffolds with discrete gradients and controlled distribution of compositions. This methodology can be adapted for the preparation of complex, multimaterial scaffolds with hierarchical structures and mechanical integrity useful in tissue engineering.

Eggshell particle-reinforced hydrogels for bone tissue engineering: an orthogonal approach

Eggshell microparticle-reinforced hydrogels have been fabricated and characterized to obtain mechanically stable and biologically active scaffolds that can direct the differentiation of cells.

Sintering Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Mullite Fibers/Hydroxyapatite Ceramic

The effect of fiber content and sintering temperature on sintering behavior and mechanical properties of mullite fibers/hydroxyapatite composites was studied. The composites were fabricated by hydrothermal synthesis and pressureless sintering. The amount of fibers was varied from 5 wt % to 15 wt % through hydrothermal synthesis, mullite fibers and hydroxyapatite composite powders were subsequently sintered at temperatures of 1150, 1250, and 1350 °C. The composites presented a more perturbed structure by increasing fiber content. Moreover, the composites experienced pore coalescence and exhibited a dense microstructure at elevated temperature. X-ray diffraction indicated that the composites underwent various chemical reactions and generated silicate glasses. The generation of silicate glasses increased the driving force of particle rearrangement and decreased the number of pores, which promoted densification of the composites. Densification typically leads to increased hardness and bending strength. The study proposes a densification mechanism and opens new insights into the sintering properties of these materials.

The effect of collector type on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of polycaprolactone/gelatin/nano-hydroxyapatite electrospun scaffold

Electrospinning is considered a powerful method for the production of fibers in the nanoscale size. Small pore size results in poor cell infiltration, cell migration inhibition into scaffold pores and low oxygen diffusion. Electrospun polycaprolactone/gelatin/nano-hydroxyapatite (PCL/Gel/nHA) scaffolds were deposited into two types of fiber collectors (novel rotating disc and plate) to study fiber morphology, chemical, mechanical, hydrophilic, and biodegradation properties between each other. The proliferation and differentiation of MG-63 cells into the bone phenotype were determined using MTT method, alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The rates for disc rotation were 50 and 100 rpm. The pore size measurement results indicated that the fibers produced by the disc rotation collector with speed rate 50 rpm have larger pores as compared to fibers produced by disc rotation at 100 rpm and flat plate collectors. A randomly structure with controlled pore size (38.65 ±0.33 μm) and lower fiber density, as compared to fibers collected by disc rotation with speed rate 100 rpm and flat plate collectors, was obtained. Fibers collected on the rotating disc with speed rate 50 rpm, were more hydrophilic due to larger pore size and therefore, faster infiltration of water into the scaffold and the rate of degradation was higher. These results demonstrate that PCL/Gel/nHA scaffolds made through a rotating disc collector at 50 rpm are more feasible to be used in bone tissue engineering applications due to appropriate pore size and increased adhesion and proliferation of cells, ALP activity and mineral deposits. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 933-950, 2019.

Tissue-engineered spiral nerve guidance conduit for peripheral nerve regeneration

Recently in peripheral nerve regeneration, preclinical studies have shown that the use of nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) with multiple longitudinally channels and intra-luminal topography enhance the functional outcomes when bridging a nerve gap caused by traumatic injury. These features not only provide guidance cues for regenerating nerve, but also become the essential approaches for developing a novel NGC. In this study, a novel spiral NGC with aligned nanofibers and wrapped with an outer nanofibrous tube was first developed and investigated. Using the common rat sciatic 10-mm nerve defect model, the in vivo study showed that a novel spiral NGC (with and without inner nanofibers) increased the successful rate of nerve regeneration after 6 weeks recovery. Substantial improvements in nerve regeneration were achieved by combining the spiral NGC with inner nanofibers and outer nanofibrous tube, based on the results of walking track analysis, electrophysiology, nerve histological assessment, and gastrocnemius muscle measurement. This demonstrated that the novel spiral NGC with inner aligned nanofibers and wrapped with an outer nanofibrous tube provided a better environment for peripheral nerve regeneration than standard tubular NGCs. Results from this study will benefit for future NGC design to optimize tissue-engineering strategies for peripheral nerve regeneration.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

We developed a novel spiral nerve guidance conduit (NGC) with coated aligned nanofibers. The spiral structure increases surface area by 4.5 fold relative to a tubular NGC. Furthermore, the aligned nanofibers was coated on the spiral walls, providing cues for guiding neurite extension. Finally, the outside of spiral NGC was wrapped with randomly nanofibers to enhance mechanical strength that can stabilize the spiral NGC. Our nerve histological data have shown that the spiral NGC had 50% more myelinated axons than a tubular structure for nerve regeneration across a 10 mm gap in a rat sciatic nerve. Results from this study can help further optimize tissue engineering strategies for peripheral nerve repair.

Biocompatibility and bioactivity behaviour of coelectrospun silk fibroin‐hydroxyapatite nanofibres using formic acid

Appending hydroxyapatite (HAp) to non‐osteogenic silk fibroin (SF) scaffolds is an undeniable fact about the bone tissue engineering. The present research aimed to fabricate the uniform coelectrospun SF‐HAp composites with 1, 3 and 5 wt% of nano‐particles using acid solution to access fibres with favourable mechanical strength simultaneous with the enhanced bone cell compatibility. SEM images displayed that the average diameter of nanofibres increased from 90 ± 12 in SF nanofibres to 227 ± 13 in SF‐5%HAp. Meanwhile, the elastic modulus and breaking strain were equal to 63.4 ± 1.08 MPa and 2.57 ± 0.04, respectively, for SF‐3% HAp which was significantly higher than the SF fibres. Bioactivity property was evaluated after immersion in simulated body fluid by the SEM/EDS analysis. The results, which were confirmed by XRD and FTIR, asserted calcium phosphate deposition after 7 days rather than the SF mats. Finally, the MTT assay, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium deposition and cell adhesion approved that the SF‐HAp nano‐composite could raise the cell viability and significantly enhance osteogenic differentiation and mineralisation process by increasing osteoblast cell migration and adhesion to the surface of nanofibres. In brief, it can be concluded that the SF‐HAp nanofibres can be considered as the superlative candidates for application in the bone tissue engineering.

Effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on osteogenic human mesenchymal stem cells commitment in a new bone scaffold

Purpose

Bone tissue engineering is helpful in finding alternatives to overcome surgery limitations. Bone growth and repair are under the control of biochemical and mechanical signals; therefore, in recent years several approaches to improve bone regeneration have been evaluated. Osteo-inductive biomaterials, stem cells, specific growth factors and biophysical stimuli are among those. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation (LIPUS) treatment would improve the colonization of an MgHA/Coll hybrid composite scaffold by human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and their osteogenic differentiation. LIPUS stimulation was applied to hMSCs cultured on MgHA/Coll hybrid composite scaffold in osteogenic medium, mimicking the microenvironment of a bone fracture.

Methods

hMSCs were seeded on MgHA/Coll hybrid composite scaffold in an osteo-inductive medium and exposed to LIPUS treatment for 20 min/day for different experimental times (7 days, 14 days). The investigation was focused on (i) the improvement of hMSCs to colonize the MgHA/Coll hybrid composite scaffold by LIPUS, in terms of cell viability and ultrastructural analysis; (ii) the activation of MAPK/ERK, osteogenic (ALPL, COL1A1, BGLAP, SPP1) and angiogenetic (VEGF, IL8) pathways, through gene expression and protein release analysis, after LIPUS stimuli.

Results

LIPUS exposure improved MgHA/Coll hybrid composite scaffold colonization and induced in vitro osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs seeded on the scaffold.

Conclusions

This work shows that the combined use of new biomimetic osteo-inductive composite and LIPUS treatment could be a useful therapeutic approach in order to accelerate bone regeneration pathways.

Nanohydroxyapatite Effect on the Degradation, Osteoconduction and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Bone Tissue Engineered Scaffolds

BACKGROUND

Statistical reports show that every year around the world approximately 15 million bone fractures occur; of which up to 10% fail to heal completely and hence lead to complications of non-union healing. In the past, autografts or allografts were used as the “gold standard” of treating such defects. However, due to various limitations and risks associated with these sources of bone grafts, other avenues have been extensively investigated through which bone tissue engineering; in particular engineering of synthetic bone graft substitutes, has been recognised as a promising alternative to the traditional methods.

METHODS

A selective literature search was performed.

RESULTS

Bone tissue engineering offers unlimited supply, eliminated risk of disease transmission and relatively low cost. It could also lead to patient specific design and manufacture of implants, prosthesis and bone related devices. A potentially promising building block for a suitable scaffold is synthetic nanohydroxyapatite incorporated into synthetic polymers. Incorporation of nanohydroxyapatite into synthetic polymers has shown promising bioactivity, osteoconductivity, mechanical properties and degradation profile compared to other techniques previously considered.

CONCLUSION

Scientific research, through extensive physiochemical characterisation, in vitro and in vivo assessment has brought together the optimum characteristics of nanohydroxyapatite and various types of synthetic polymers in order to develop nanocomposites of suitable nature for bone tissue engineering. The aim of the present article is to review and update various aspects involved in incorporation of synthetic nanohydroxyapatite into synthetic polymers, in terms of their potentials to promote bone growth and regeneration in vitro, in vivo and consequently in clinical applications.

Scaffolds of hydroxyl apatite nanoparticles disseminated in 1, 6-diisocyanatohexane-extended poly(1, 4-butylene succinate)/poly(methyl methacrylate) for bone tissue engineering

Poly(1, 4-butyl succinate) extended 1, 6-diisocyanatohexane (PBSu-DCH) polymers and Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) scaffolds decorated with nano hydroxyl apatite have been prepared and characterized for regeneration of bone in cranio-maxillofacial region. Synthesized scaffolds revealed good response in bone regeneration and excellent cell viability in comparison to commercial available glass plate, which lead to better proliferation of MG-63 cell lines. Additionally, they demonstrate high porosity and excellent water retention ability. Moreover, controlled degradation (in pH=7.4) and sustained drug release in pH (4.5 and 7.4) are advantages of these scaffolds to serve as delivery vehicles for therapeutic drugs. Samples also provide the protection against Escherichia coli and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus microorganisms which can be helpful for quick recovery of the patient. In-vitro inflammatory response has been assessed via adsorption of human plasma/serum proteins on the surface of the scaffolds. Results suggest that prepared scaffolds have good bone regeneration ability and provide friendly environment for the cell growth with the additional advantage of protection of the surrounding tissues from microbial infection. With all these features, it is speculated that these scaffolds will have wide utility in the area of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.