Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (Nov 2015)

Uniform surface modification of 3D Bioglass®-based scaffolds with mesoporous silica particles (MCM-41) for enhancing drug uptake capability

  • Elena eBoccardi,
  • Anahi ePhilippart,
  • Judith eBortuzzo,
  • Ana eBeltran,
  • Ana eBeltran,
  • Giorgia eNovarja,
  • Chiara eVitale Brovarone,
  • Erdmann eSpiecker,
  • Aldo R. Boccaccini

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2015.00177
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3

Abstract

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The design and characterization of a new family of multifunctional scaffolds based on bioactive glass (BG) of 45S5 composition for bone tissue engineering and drug delivery applications is presented. These BG-based scaffolds are developed via a replication method of polyurethane packaging foam. In order to increase the therapeutic functionality, the scaffolds were coated with mesoporous silica particles (MCM-41), which act as an in-situ drug delivery system. These sub-micron spheres are characterized by large surface area and pore volume with a narrow pore diameter distribution. The solution used for the synthesis of the silica mesoporous particles was designed to obtain at the same time a high ordered mesoporous structure and spherical shape, both are key factors for achieving the desired controlled drug release. The MCM-41 particles were synthesized directly inside the BG-based scaffolds and the drug release capability of this combined system was evaluated. Moreover the effect of MCM-41 particle coating on the bioactivity of the BG-based scaffolds was assessed. The results indicate that it is possible to obtain a multifunctional scaffold system characterized by high and interconnected porosity, high bioactivity and sustained drug delivery capability.

Keywords