Fabrication and characterization of zein–bioactive glass scaffolds

Abstract

Plant proteins show advantages over animal-based proteins for biomaterial applications attributable to their ease of availability and suitable biodegradability. In this study, composite foams based on zein and 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) particles were produced through salt leaching for potential applications in bone tissue engineering (BTE) applications. Different characterization techniques were used including scanning electron microscopy for morphological and microstructural analysis, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction for composition characterization and mechanical tests. Zein–BG composite scaffolds demonstrate enhanced bioactivity with a compressive modulus and strength around 5·7 MPa and 1·9 MPa, respectively. Zein–BG composite scaffolds constitute a new bioactive material with potential applications in BTE.

Fabrication and characterization of zein/bioactive glass deposited on pretreated magnesium via electrophoretic deposition

“…The characteristic structure of zein can be seen as a homogeneous, porous film on the surface of the substrate. This statement is supported by the investigations of Naseri et al 43 The resulting pores hardly differ in size. On the left, the coating covers the entire substrate surface and shows no signs of damage.…”

“…The zein/BG coatings deposited on 316L SS via EPD (at pH = 3, deposition voltage = 12 V, deposition time = 5 minutes, and concentration of BG = 5 g/L) are shown in Figure 6. The figure shows that the characteristic cluster‐like structure of zein spreads over the surface of the substrate 43 . Moreover, the presence of BG was visible as the well‐distributed particles which have integrated into the layer of zein 43 .…”

“…The figure shows that the characteristic cluster‐like structure of zein spreads over the surface of the substrate 43 . Moreover, the presence of BG was visible as the well‐distributed particles which have integrated into the layer of zein 43 . In addition to the grid‐like structure, some pores could also be seen in the zein film, which according to Naseri et al 43 can be partially blocked with agglomerated BG particles, due to this reason the porosity and pore size is lower than that of the pure zein coating.…”

Zein‐based composites in biomedical applications

“…In this combination, HACC provides antibacterial activity while zein enables forming composite films. Furthermore, the study of Naseri et al 78 focused on zein-BG scaffolds for potential applications in bone tissue engineering. Composite foams comprising zein and BG particles were produced by salt leaching.…”

Editorial

“…Coming back to the topic of biomedical materials, the work of Naseri et al 9 presents the fabrication and characterisation of zein-based bioactive glass scaffolds. Plant proteins exhibit certain advantages for biomaterial processing due to their ease of availability and good biodegradability.…”