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The research aimed to evaluate the mechanical behaviour, hybridisation and osteoblast activities of novel baghdadite/PCL-graphene nanocomposite scaffold. The mechanical behaviour was examined via measuring the compressive strength and Young's module, the hybridisation was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Brunauer Emmet Teller, and the osteoblast activities were assessed via MG-63 osteoblast cells. The results rendered PCL as a significant factor to enhance the mechanical strength of ceramic scaffolds. Due to the existence of σ and π covalent bonds in its structure, hydrophilicity and biocompatibility, graphene could be applied in scaffolds' chemical compound to greatly enhance their mechanical and biological behaviours. This scaffold indicated compressive strength and Young's module higher than 2 MPa and 0.05 GPa. Regarding cell behaviours, MG-63 osteoblast cells spread and attached well on the scaffolds confirming the viability, cytotoxicity, excellent cell attachment and proliferation. The results indicated that this scaffold possesses outstanding potential as a temporary substrate for bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present research was to find out the in vitro biological behaviour by evaluating the bioactivity of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering and to examine the mechanism of baghdadite and apatite formation. For this purpose, baghdadite scaffolds with polycaprolactone and graphene nanocomposite coatings were fabricated using polymeric sponge and dip-coating methods. Results showed that regarding baghdadite formation mechanism, gittinsite phase can be converted into baghdadite phase by enhancing temperature up to 1350°C and helping Zr4+ and Ca2+. The deposit of Ca–P coatings on the surface and in the pores of the scaffolds verified the improvement of the bioactivity. Graphene in scaffold composition can affect apatite deposit formation and promise bioactivity due to its high hydrophilicity, existence of nanoparticles and great π bonds in its structure. In brief, baghdadite scaffolds with polycaprolactone and graphene nanocomposite coatings can be promising outstanding candidates for bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospinning, as an effective method for preparation of scaffolds for cell growth templates, has attracted great attention. In this study electrospinning was used to prepare poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/chitosan scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. In order to improve the bioactivity and mechanical properties of the fibrous scaffolds, 0.5, 1 and 2 wt% akermanite, a calcium silicate based bioceramic, was added to the electrospinning solution. The morphology of the electrospun scaffolds was observed by using field emission-scanning electron microscopy and their mechanical strengths were analyzed by tension tests. The results showed that the formed scaffolds consisted of fibers with less than 100 nm diameter. In the case of the composite containing 1 wt% akermanite, the fibers were more homogeneous and no beads were formed during electrospinning, while in the composite containing 2 wt% akermanite a considerable number of beads were formed which we attribute to an improper viscosity of the electrospinning solution. Among the different compositions, the composite containing 1 wt% akermanite showed higher ultimate tensile strength (10.6 MPa) and fracture strain (9%). These values were increased by crosslinking the scaffold by reaction with glutaraldehyde, up to 13 MPa and 9.4%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the significant challenges in bone tissue engineering is the fabrication of highly porous scaffolds with interconnected pores and appropriate mechanical properties. Artificial scaffolds which used in the field of medicine are usually made of single phase of polymer or ceramic. However, composition of these materials can produce the scaffolds with improve mechanical and biological properties.The aim of this study is to synthesize three-dimensional hardystonite-diopside (HT-Dio) porous scaffolds modified by polycaporolacton fumarate coating for low-load-bearing bone tissue engineering applications. The results showed that hardystonite scaffolds with 15 wt. % diopside and 6 w/v % polymer polycaporolacton fumarate (PCLF) had a significant bioactivity. The cell culture and cell attachment assay results revealed the well spreading of BMS cells on the surface of modified scaffolds which indicates the high biocompatibility of this scaffold. The modified scaffolds had a mean pore size, porosity, compressive strength, modules and toughness of 293.47 ± 5.51 μm, 74% ± 1.01, 3.37 ± 0.6 MPa, 151 ± 1.1 MPa and 31.3 ± 0.32 kJ/m3, respectively, which are in the appropriate range for spongy bone and hence can be a good candidate for bone tissue engineering applications. Image 1 • Highly porous diopside/hardystonite scaffolds were fabricated. • Applying a PCLF polymer coating doubled the compressive strength of the scaffolds. • The strengthening mechanisms were studied. • Bioactivity, biodegradability and cell viability of the scaffolds were improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous Si-based ceramic scaffolds are widely attracted in biomedical tissue engineering application. Despite the attractive properties of these materials, their weak mechanical properties and high degradability in vitro and in vivo environment can limit their application as biomedical devises. Applying a thin layer of polymer on the surface of porous scaffolds can improve the mechanical properties and control the degradation rate. In this study, we produced new modified scaffolds with polymers coating in order to improved mechanical and biological properties of Si-based ceramics scaffolds. The results showed that applying 6 wt% PCLF polymer on the surface of Bagh-15 wt%Dio scaffolds delayed apatite formation compared to unmodified scaffolds. On the other hand, in the modified scaffolds, apatite formation was observed. The degradation rate of unmodified scaffolds was decreased around 82% after 28 days soaking in PBS solution. Based on the MTT assay and SEM micrographs, the BMS cells were spread and attached well on the surface of the scaffolds, which indicated a good biocompatibility. The results showed that these scaffolds have the potential to be used as a temporary substrate for bone tissue engineering application. • Highly porous diopside/baghdadite composite scaffolds were prepared. • PCLF improved the mechanical properties & controlled degradation rate. • Bagh-15 wt%Dio-6 wt%PCLF scaffolds had a controllable apatite formation ability. • A higher proliferation rate, attachment and spreading of BMSC cells were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]