Effect of Different Contents of 63s Bioglass on the Performance of Bioglass-PCL Composite Bone Scaffolds

Abstract

Bioactive glasses (BG), notably 63s BG, possess distinct properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, and the ability to boost cellular interactions. Our research concentrated on formulating polycaprolactone (PCL) porous scaffolds enriched with 63s BG to gauge their combined mechanical and biological potentials. Using twin-screw extrusion, we created composites containing 5%, 10%, and 20% 63s BG. These were transformed into cylindrical scaffolds using 3D printing. Our assessments involved melt flow, SEM, XRD, water contact angle metrics, DSC, and extracorporeal degradation. After co-culturing with MC3T3-E1 cells, an uptick in alkaline phosphatase activity was noted. Preliminary findings demonstrated that as 63s BG content increased, the properties of the composites improved. Yet, they fell short of replicating the mechanical nuances of cortical bone, rendering them inapt for load-bearing orthopedic applications but suitable for mending minor bone defects or cartilage. In summary, while 63s BG brings about significant advancements in scaffold attributes, attaining the mechanical traits ideal for certain medical purposes remains elusive. This investigation offers foundational insights for the evolution of optimized bone tissue engineering materials.