Bioactive behavior of mesoporous silica particle (MCM‐41) coated bioactive glass‐based scaffolds

Abstract A complete characterization of a novel family of multifunctional bioactive glass (45S5 composition) (BG)‐based scaffolds for bone tissue engineering is presented. Scaffolds were developed via replication method of polyurethane packaging foam and natural marine sponge “ Spongia Agaricina ”. In order to increase the therapeutic functionality, the scaffolds were coated with mesoporous silica particles (MCM‐41), which can act as drug delivery carrier, increase the bioactivity of the combined system and release Si ions, essential for the gene stimulation of osteoblast cells and for inducing new bone matrix formation. The MCM‐41 particles were synthetized directly inside the scaffolds (CCM) or after the synthesis they were dispersed in ethanol and used for impregnation (PCM) of the scaffolds. The effect of the particles on the bioactivity of the scaffolds was assessed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for up to 7 days. The results indicate the possibility to obtain a multifunctional BG‐scaffold system with enhanced bioactivity and reduced pH increase when in contact with physiological fluids.