IADR Abstract Archives
Three-Dimensional Magnetic Hydrogel Composite Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
Objectives: Reconstruction of critical sized bone defects in the oral and maxillofacial region continue to be clinically challenging despite significant development of osteo-regenerative materials. Among 3D biomaterials, hydrogel composites have been explored for bone regeneration, however variable rates of degradation and lack of vascularisation limit their potential. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are known to target and regulate cell signalling pathways for controlling cell behaviour hence have been used to accelerate cell growth, organize vascular networks, and develop tissues. In this study, we report novel magnetic calcium carbonate-poly(vinyl alcohol) PVA scaffolds to enhance porosity, mechanical strength, and improve the osteogenic and angiogenic potential.
Methods: The scaffolds were fabricated using PVA as matrix and vaterite (calcium carbonate phase) as filler with different concentrations of MNPs and characterised using FTIR-ATR, XRD, Raman, TEM, SEM, EDS, VSM, DSC and compressive strength. A Human osteoblast like cell line and Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used for in vitro biological tests.
Results: The PVA-Vaterite-MNP scaffolds exhibited magnetic fields as expected and demonstrated improved cell adhesion, proliferation and biomineralisation. The inclusion of MNPs improved the compressive strength (21.22 MPa) and structural integrity of the PVA-Vaterite scaffolds, with appropriate equilibrium water uptake (32.32-34.92%) and high glass transition temperatures (111.40-117.80oC). The PVA-MNP interaction limited chain mobility of PVA thereby lowering amorphous regions in the matrix leading to a higher crosslinking density, consequently enhancing the mechanical properties without compromising porosity.
Conclusions: The PVA-Vaterite scaffolds with MNP’s exhibited a porous spongy structure in the hydrated state with superior compressive strength, and adequate thermal stability. The cell penetration and mineralisation ability indicate osteogenic and angiogenic potential. Furthermore, the ability to reshape the scaffolds manually to fit different anatomical bone defects renders it as a promising biomaterial in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Methods: The scaffolds were fabricated using PVA as matrix and vaterite (calcium carbonate phase) as filler with different concentrations of MNPs and characterised using FTIR-ATR, XRD, Raman, TEM, SEM, EDS, VSM, DSC and compressive strength. A Human osteoblast like cell line and Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used for in vitro biological tests.
Results: The PVA-Vaterite-MNP scaffolds exhibited magnetic fields as expected and demonstrated improved cell adhesion, proliferation and biomineralisation. The inclusion of MNPs improved the compressive strength (21.22 MPa) and structural integrity of the PVA-Vaterite scaffolds, with appropriate equilibrium water uptake (32.32-34.92%) and high glass transition temperatures (111.40-117.80oC). The PVA-MNP interaction limited chain mobility of PVA thereby lowering amorphous regions in the matrix leading to a higher crosslinking density, consequently enhancing the mechanical properties without compromising porosity.
Conclusions: The PVA-Vaterite scaffolds with MNP’s exhibited a porous spongy structure in the hydrated state with superior compressive strength, and adequate thermal stability. The cell penetration and mineralisation ability indicate osteogenic and angiogenic potential. Furthermore, the ability to reshape the scaffolds manually to fit different anatomical bone defects renders it as a promising biomaterial in oral and maxillofacial surgery.