This paper describes our recent work on the processing and evaluation of porous bioactive glass scaffolds which are intended to be used for bone repair and regeneration. Scaffolds with a fibrous microstructure were prepared by sintering randomly oriented short fibers. A polymer foam replication technique was used to prepare scaffolds with a microstructure similar to that of trabecular bone. Scaffolds with oriented pores were formed by unidirectional freezing of particulate suspensions. The mechanical response of the porous scaffolds was dependent on the microstructure, with compressive strengths in the range 5-12 MPa. When immersed in an aqueous phosphate solution, the glass gradually converted to hydroxyapatite (HA). resulting in a macroporous scaffold with a nanostructured HA surface. The macroporosity is beneficial for tissue ingrowth and function, whereas the nanostructured surface niay enhance cellular interaction. ln virro cell culture showed an excellent ability of the scaffolds to support the proliferation of MC3T3-EI pre-osteoblastic cells. New tissue ingrowth was observed in the interior of marrow-soaked scaffolds implanted in subcutaneous pockets in the dorsum of rats. Collectively, the results indicate that the bioactive glass scaffolds should provide promising materials for bone repair and regeneration.
- Cellular interaction,
- Fibrous microstructure,
- Mechanical response,
- Nanostructured surface,
- Particulate suspensions,
- Phosphate solutions,
- Porous bioactive glass,
- Replication techniques,
- Bioactive glass,
- Bioceramics,
- Bone cement,
- Cell culture,
- Compressive strength,
- Microstructure,
- Sintering,
- Tissue,
- Scaffolds (biology)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/roger-brown/28/