In Vitro Evaluation of Borate-based Bioactive Glass Scaffolds Prepared by a Polymer Foam Replication Method

Abstract

Borate-based bioactive glass scaffolds with a microstructure similar to that of human trabecular bone were prepared using a polymer foam replication method, and evaluated in vitro for potential bone repair applications. The scaffolds (porosity = 72 ± 3%; pore size = 250-500 μm) had a compressive strength of 6.4 ± 1.0 MPa. The bioactivity of the scaffolds was confirmed by the formation of a hydroxyapatite (HA) layer on the surface of the glass within 7 days in 0.02 M K2HPO4 solution at 37 °C. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was assessed from the response of cells to extracts of the dissolution products of the scaffolds, using assays of MTT hydrolysis, cell viability, and alkaline phosphatase activity. For boron concentrations below a threshold value (0.65 mM), extracts of the glass dissolution products supported the proliferation of bone marrow stromal cells, as well as the proliferation and function of murine MLO-A5 cells, an osteogenic cell line. Scanning electron microscopy showed attachment and continuous increase in the density of MLO-A5 cells cultured on the surface of the glass scaffolds. The results indicate that borate-based bioactive glass could be a potential scaffold material for bone tissue engineering provided that the boron released from the glass could be controlled below a threshold value.

Department(s)

Materials Science and Engineering

Sponsor(s)

Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality

Keywords and Phrases

Bioactive Glass; Bone Tissue Engineering; Borate Glass; Scaffold

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0928-4931

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2009 Elsevier, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Aug 2009

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