LAUSR

Abstract In the present study, mechanical and chemical properties of the bioglass-ceramic/gelatin composite scaffolds were investigated. The reinforcing particles were synthesized using the sol-gel method in SiO2-CaO-P2O5 systems. The composite scaffolds were also fabricated through solvent casting and freeze drying routes. The effect of the chemical composition of the synthesized particles and temperature of the heat treatment process on the mechanical and chemical properties of the bioglass containing scaffolds were investigated in detail. Two different coverages, namely gelatin-glutaraldehyde and silica, were utilized for covering the composite scaffolds. According to the X-ray diffraction results, heat-treating the particles at 1100 °C caused the crystallization of Ca3(PO4)2 phase. Based on the three-point flexural test results, the final mechanical strength of the gelatin-glutaraldehyde-covered scaffolds ranged between 2-4 MPa. Covering the composite scaffolds with the silica coverage remarkably increased the final strength values ranging between 12-18 MPa. The in vitro cell-based experiment results indicates the cytocompatibility of the scaffolds when they are incubated with dental pulp stem cells. Also, the presence of the silica coverage on the scaffolds increased the viability of the stem cells in comparison with the gelatin-glutaraldehyde-covered scaffolds. Furthermore, evaluation of the bioactivity behavior of the scaffolds showed that Ca2SiO4 phase was formed on the surface of the samples from 7 to 21 days of immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). The morphology of the mineralized phase on the surface of the scaffolds changed from Cauliflower to rod-like nodules by changing the type of scaffold coverage from gelatin-glutaraldehyde to silica after immersion in SBF media. Altogether, the bioglass-ceramic/gelatin composite scaffolds could have a promising role in bone tissue engineering application.