Fabrication and characterization of bioactive β-Ca2SiO4/PHBV composite scaffolds

A key challenge in tissue engineering is the construction of a scaffold with adequate properties which would mimic extracellular matrix (ECM) to induce the cells' efficient adhesion, proliferation and proper differentiation. Novel β-Ca2SiO4/PHBV composite scaffolds were fabricated by integrating β-Ca2SiO4 nanoparticles with PHBV backbone via a modified solvent casting-particulates leaching method, which generates interconnected porous structure and the high porosity, about 87%, of these scaffolds. Compared with PHBV scaffolds, β-Ca2SiO4/PHBV composite scaffolds facilitate the adhesion of human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells due to their increased hydrophilicity. The β-Ca2SiO4/PHBV composite scaffolds containing 2.5 or 5% β-Ca2SiO4 nanoparticles significantly enhance the proliferation of MG-63 cells by stimulating the transcription of the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) genes. These scaffolds also induce early differentiation via promoting the transcription of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The results suggest the potential application of β-Ca2SiO4/PHBV composites in bone tissue engineering.

The β-Ca2SiO4/PHBV composite scaffolds with multiple bioactivity. Panel a shows the ESEM micrographs of the synthesized β-Ca2SiO4 nanoparticles; panels b and c are ESEM micrographs of MG-63 cell adhesion on β-Ca2SiO4/PHBV scaffolds for 4 h: (b) pure PHBV scaffold; (c) composite scaffold with 2.5 wt.% β-Ca2SiO4 nanoparticles; panel d presents the influence of β-Ca2SiO4/PHBV scaffolds to the proliferation of MG-63 cells; panel e shows the β-Ca2SiO4/PHBV composite scaffolds that influence the transcription of genes listed.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► β-Ca2SiO4/PHBV composite scaffold was fabricated by integrating β-Ca2SiO4 nanoparticles.
► β-Ca2SiO4/PHBV scaffolds facilitate the adhesion of human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells.
► β-Ca2SiO4/PHBV scaffolds significantly enhance the proliferation of MG-63 cells.
► β-Ca2SiO4/PHBV scaffolds stimulate the transcription of TGF-β1, BMP-7 and ALP.