Synthesis and characterization of hierarchically macroporous and mesoporous CaO–MO–SiO2–P2O5 (M = Mg, Zn, Sr) bioactive glass scaffolds

Mg-, Zn- and Sr-doped hierarchically macroporous and mesoporous CaO–MO–SiO2–P2O5 (M = Mg, Zn or Sr) bioactive glass (HMMBG) scaffolds were synthesized using the non-ionic block copolymer EO20PO70EO20 and polyurethane sponges as cotemplates. The Mg-, Zn- or Sr-doped HMMBG scaffolds showed no distinct difference in phase composition, macroporous structure or pore volume from the HMMBG scaffolds without Mg, Zn or Sr. The Mg-, Zn- and Sr-doped HMMBG scaffolds showed no cytotoxicity. The gradual release of Ca, P, Si, Mg, Zn and Sr into the culture medium from these scaffolds contributed to the enhancement of the proliferation and ALP activity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The Mg-, Zn- and Sr-doped HMMBG scaffolds may be used as bone substitute materials.