Development of highly porous scaffolds based on bioactive silicates for dental tissue engineering

• Synthesis of an Mg-based glass-ceramic via the sol–gel technique.
• The heat treatment of the glass-ceramic promoted the crystallization of akermanite.
• Akermanite scaffolds coated with gelatin were successfully fabricated.
• An HCAp layer was developed on the surface of all scaffolds after 9 days in SBF.

Various scaffolding materials, ceramics and especially Mg-based ceramic materials, including akermanite (Ca2MgSi2O7) and diopside (CaMgSi2O6), have attracted interest for dental tissue regeneration because of their improved mechanical properties and controllable biodegradation. The aim of the present work was the synthesis of an Mg-based glass-ceramic, which would be used for the construction of workable akermanite scaffolds. The characterization of the synthesized material was performed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Finally, the apatite forming ability of the scaffolds was assessed by immersion in simulated body fluid. The scaffolds were fabricated by the foam replica technique and were subsequently coated with gelatin to provide a functional surface for increased cell attachment. Finally, SEM microphotographs and FTIR spectra of the scaffolds after immersion in SBF solution indicated the inorganic bioactive character of the scaffolds suitable for the intended applications in dental tissue engineering.

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