Robocasting chitosan/nanobioactive glass dual-pore structured scaffolds for bone engineering

Here we produced a novel nano-composite scaffold made of chitosan (Chit) and nanobioactive glass (nBG) retaining dual-pore structure through the robocasting technique. Robotic-dispensed composite solution (Chit with 10 wt% nBG) was rapidly solidified under a dry-ice cooled bath, which was subsequently freeze-dried. The scaffold featured the pre-designed macrochanneled (hundreds of micrometers) pore configuration and contained well-developed micropores (a few to 10 μm in size) throughout the framework. The addition of nBG facilitated rapid induction of bone mineral-like apatite in a simulated body fluid, demonstrating in vitro bone-bioactivity. On the dual-pore structured scaffolds, bone cells presented good adherence and active growth with culture time. The developed Chit/nBG scaffolds may find potential usefulness as bone tissue engineering matrices.

► Chitosan/nanobioactive glass composite scaffolds were developed by robocasting.
► Macro-/micro-porous structure was generated under dry-ice cooled condition.
► Scaffolds demonstrated active apatite-forming ability and cell compatibility.