Preparation of hydroxyapatite/bioactive glass/collagen scaffolds for use in tissue engineering

Bioactive glass (BG) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) are widely used in tissue engineering, but their loss of shape and migration under load require their immobilization in a polymer matrix. This study involved the initial mixture of BG and HAp particles in ethanol. Heat treatment of the BG/HAp blends at temperatures between 600°C and 800°C induced subsequent structural changes, an aspect overlooked in the literature. By examining these changes, we have gained valuable insight into the properties and behavior of the prepared composite. The optimized composition (75 HAp/25 BG) and heat treatment temperature (800°C) were determined, followed by the incorporation of the ceramic powder into a collagen matrix and sterilization with ethylene oxide. Soaking the prepared materials in simulated body fluid resulted in the rapid formation of HAp, indicating favorable biocompatibility. The approach used here balances desired properties with economic considerations, resulting in affordable biomaterials for biomedical applications.