The effect of zirconium incorporation on the physiochemical and biological properties of mesoporous bioactive glasses scaffolds

The zirconium (Zr) containing mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) scaffolds with different Zr contents have been prepared by the combination of polyurethane sponge and P123 surfactant as co-templates and evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) process using Ca, P, Si and Zr sources. The study showed that the Zr incorporation in the MBGs scaffolds enhanced the compressive strength, decreased the dissolution, maintained a more stable pH environment, and kept the apatite formation ability. Furthermore, the Zr incorporation provided a better environment for BMSCs attachment, spreading and proliferation on these MBGs scaffolds. Therefore, the Zr incorporated MBGs scaffolds have more potential for use in bone tissue engineering application.

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► The Zr incorporated mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) scaffolds were synthesized.
► The Zr incorporation enhanced the compressive strength of the MBGs scaffolds.
► The Zr incorporation kept the apatite formation ability of the MBGs scaffolds.
► The Zr incorporation facilitated BMSCs attachment, spreading and proliferation.
► The Zr incorporated MBGs scaffolds exhibited a sustained drug release property.