OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop a composite scaffold with the optimal poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and bioactive glass proportions to provide an environment for bone tissue regeneration and repair.

DESIGN

PLGA-bioactive glass composite scaffolds were prepared using a salt-leaching technique with different percentages of bioactive glass (0%, 10 %, and 15 % [w/w]) with PLGA. The resulting scaffolds were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and water contact angle, dynamic mechanical, and pH analysis. The scaffold biocompatibility was investigated using stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) and rat experiments.

RESULTS

SEM-EDS confirmed the successful fabrication of three-dimensional PLGA-bioactive glass scaffolds. The results showed that 10 % bioactive glass with PLGA exhibited favorable properties including increased pore size, hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties. The growth medium pH was increased for scaffolds containing bioactive glass. All scaffolds were biocompatible, and 10 % bioactive glass composite scaffolding showed better attachment, growth, and proliferation of SHED compared to the other scaffolds. Moreover, it enhanced osteogenic differentiation of SHED in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Salt-leaching-derived PLGA-bioactive glass composite scaffolds were successfully established. PLGA with 10 % bioactive glass had adequate physical properties and bioactivity, and it could be considered as a composite for bone tissue engineering applications.