Fabrication and Evaluation of Diopside/Gelatin Composite Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering: A Comprehensive Study on Porosity, Bioactivity and Cell Interactions

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Advanced Materials Research Center, Department of Materials Engineering, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran

2 Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This research investigates the development and characterization of a novel diopside/gelatin composite scaffold tailored to enhance bone tissue regeneration. The scaffold was fabricated using a space holder method followed by a gelatin coating technique. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis confirmed the successful application of the gelatin coating on the diopside scaffold. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a highly porous, interconnected architecture, which provides an optimal environment for cell infiltration, vascularization, and nutrient diffusion, thereby promoting bone ingrowth. Mechanical testing demonstrated that the composite scaffolds exhibit sufficient compressive strength and stiffness to withstand physiological loads, supporting new bone tissue formation. Biological evaluation revealed excellent biocompatibility, with the scaffolds supporting robust cell attachment and proliferation. Furthermore, the observed elevation in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, a critical marker of osteogenic differentiation, highlights the scaffolds' osteoconductive potential and their ability to facilitate bone formation. The synergistic combination of diopside, a bioactive ceramic renowned for its biocompatibility and osteoconductive properties, and gelatin, a natural biopolymer providing a cell-friendly environment and enhancing cell adhesion, has resulted in a promising composite scaffold significantly improved for bone tissue engineering. Notably, the application of a gelatin coating on the diopside scaffold significantly improved cell interaction and attachment, improving the overall bioactivity of the construct. These findings underscore the potential of the diopside/gelatin composite scaffold for bone regeneration applications. Nevertheless, further in vivo investigation and clinical studies are necessary to fully validate the scaffold's efficacy and elucidate its potential for clinical studies. 

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Materials Forming
Volume 11, Issue 3
July 2024
Pages 50-65

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