Chitosan/β-TCP composites scaffolds coated with silk fibroin: a bone tissue engineering approach

Abstract

Bone regeneration and natural repair are long-standing processes that can lead to uneven new tissue growth. By introducing scaffolds that can be autografts and/or allografts, tissue engineering provides new approaches to manage the major burdens involved in this process. Polymeric scaffolds allow the incorporation of bioactive agents that improve their biological and mechanical performance, making them suitable materials for bone regeneration solutions. The present work aimed to create chitosan/beta-tricalcium phosphate-based scaffolds coated with silk fibroin and evaluate their potential for bone tissue engineering. Results showed that the obtained scaffolds have porosities up to 86%, interconnectivity up to 96%, pore sizes in the range of 60–170 μm, and a stiffness ranging from 1 to 2 MPa. Furthermore, when cultured with MC3T3 cells, the scaffolds were able to form apatite crystals after 21 d; and they were able to support cell growth and proliferation up to 14 d of culture. Besides, cellular proliferation was higher on the scaffolds coated with silk. These outcomes further demonstrate that the developed structures are suitable candidates to enhance bone tissue engineering.

Silk-Based 3D Porous Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

“…For example, polyphosphate (CPP), calcium phosphate (OCP), biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) are commonly employed in bone repair and replacement. − Park et al prepared SF/β-TCP scaffolds and discovered that they significantly enhanced cell adhesion, infiltration, and proliferation. Eight weeks postimplantation, the group receiving SF/β-TCP scaffolds demonstrated more rapid bone formation compared to both the blank and pristine SF scaffold groups, highlighting the potential of SF/β-TCP scaffolds in bone tissue engineering. − Additionally, Du et al. enhanced this approach by combining silk fibroin with mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) to create SF/MBG scaffolds using 3D printing.…”

Application Progress of Modified Chitosan and Its Composite Biomaterials for Bone Tissue Engineering

“…The amino and hydroxyl groups are the points of initiation of the graft copolymerization [ 259 ]. The biodegradable polymers that have been copolymerized with CS are very varied, and the most studied include PLA, polycaprolactone (PCL) [ 260 ], lignocellulosic products, pectin [ 132 ], gelatin [ 261 , 262 , 263 ], silk proteins [ 264 , 265 ], and peptides [ 266 , 267 ]. Cui et al grafted CS on electrospun PLA nanofibers to induce the deposition and growth of HA crystals [ 268 ].…”

Chitosan-Based Hierarchical Scaffolds Crosslinked with Genipin

“…The aging population's growing prevalence of bone problems, such as fractures, bone loss, and osteoporosis, has boosted interest in scaffold design for osteochondral tissue regeneration [1]. In this respect, many studies have proposed using bilayered osteochondral architectures to mimic the organic and inorganic phases of the cartilage/bone, leading to the composite material for improved tissue regeneration [2][3][4][5][6][7]. In addition, osteochondral regeneration strategies are based on scaffolds made of combinations of materials, growth factors (BMPs, TGF-beta, IGF-I/-II), and cells (osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts).…”

“…They have been shown to promote cartilage and subchondral bone regeneration, satisfying the osteochondral biological functional needs [8][9][10]. Naturalorigin polymers such as collagen, silk fibroin (SF), and chitosan (CHT) have been employed to create bilayered scaffolds [4][5][6]11,12]. These biomacromolecules have been recognized for their biocompatibility and biodegradability.…”

“…Beyond that, the CHT structure allows chemical and mechanical modifications to obtain novel functions and applications because it has in its chemical composition many amino (-NH 2 ) and hydroxyl (-OH) groups, and this facilitates the binding of other chemical compounds for structural modification to improve performance [17,18]. Thus, CHT can be considered for repairing cartilage and bone and for wound healing [4,14].…”