The Effect of Protelos Content on the Physicochemical, Mechanical and Biological Properties of Gelatin-Based Scaffolds

Introduction: Protelos (Pr) is a drug treatment for osteoporosis which reduces the risk of broken bones. The drug is unusual in that it both increases the deposition of new bone by osteoblasts and reduces the resorption of bone by osteoclasts. In this study, the effect of different amounts of Pr on the properties of gelatin-based scaffolds has been investigated. Materials and Methods: Halloysite nanotube (HNT) was used to control the release of Pr, while the HNT: Pr ratios changed. (2:1 (0.5-GHPr) and 1: 2 (2-GHPr)). For characterization of the scaffolds, the morphology, structure, mechanical behavior, and release behavior of this nanocomposite scaffold were studied. Also, cellular studies such as 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and calcium deposition of the nanocomposite scaffolds were investigated. Results: As a result, it can be stated that the 2-GHPr nanocomposite scaffold showed the best osteogenesis and release behavior between prepared scaffolds. In the case of mechanical properties, also 2-GHPr scaffolds had the best mechanical strength and modulus. Conclusions: According to the results, it can be mentioned that 2-GHPr composite scaffolds are a good choice in bone tissue engineering (TE).