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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]

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]