Characterization of Electrospun Scaffold Made of Polyhydroxybutyrate-Poly(ethylene glycol) Incorporated by Bioactive Glass for Bone Tissue Engineering

Document Type : Research Paper

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Department of Textile Engineering, University of Bonab, Postal Code: 5551395133, Bonab, Iran

Abstract

Hypothesis: Bone injuries are considered to be one of the challenges of medical science, which involves heavy finances for treatment in the world every year. The use of various types of electrospun nanofibrous structures consisting of biopolymers along with bioceramics is very important in the application of bone tissue engineering. Polyhydroxybutyrate is known as a biocompatible polymer with high mechanical strength. Needless to say, properties such as its low hydrophilicity have led to its combination with other hydrophilic polymers such as polyethylene glycol. In the applications of bone tissue engineering, bioceramics, such as bioactive glass, are usually used to increase the bioactive property, which is very important in the stages of bone growth and repair.
Methods: The purpose of this study is to design and evaluate a nanocomposite scaffold consisting of two polymers, polyhydroxybutyrate and polyethylene glycol containing bioactive glass prepared by electrospinning for bone tissue engineering. For this purpose, different percentages of bioactive glass from 5 to 12.5% (by wt) were added to the electrospinning solution of polyhydroxy butyrate and polyethylene glycol. The produced samples were characterized and compared in terms of functional bioactivity test.
Findings: Scanning electron microscope images show successful electrospinning without interruption or any damage to the nanofiber surface. The presence of bioactive glass nanoparticles can be proven by energy dispersive X-ray test. By adding the bioactive glass component to the polymer solution, the average diameter of the produced nanofibers is increased and the value of hydrophilicity is decreased. Based on the obtained results of nanofiber diameter and hydrophilicity, 5% (by wt) of bioactive glass was decided as the optimal percentage. In the bioactivity test, the increase in bioactivity with the formation of hydroxyapatite phase on the surface of nanocomposite samples can be proven.

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