Gelatin and Bioactive Glass Composites for Tissue Engineering: A Review

Abstract

Nano-/micron-sized bioactive glass (BG) particles are attractive candidates for both soft and hard tissue engineering. They can chemically bond to the host tissues, enhance new tissue formation, activate cell proliferation, stimulate the genetic expression of proteins, and trigger unique anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer functionalities. Recently, composites based on biopolymers and BG particles have been developed with various state-of-the-art techniques for tissue engineering. Gelatin, a semi-synthetic biopolymer, has attracted the attention of researchers because it is derived from the most abundant protein in the body, viz., collagen. It is a polymer that can be dissolved in water and processed to acquire different configurations, such as hydrogels, fibers, films, and scaffolds. Searching “bioactive glass gelatin” in the tile on Scopus renders 80 highly relevant articles published in the last ~10 years, which signifies the importance of such composites. First, this review addresses the basic concepts of soft and hard tissue engineering, including the healing mechanisms and limitations ahead. Then, current knowledge on gelatin/BG composites including composition, processing and properties is summarized and discussed both for soft and hard tissue applications. This review explores physical, chemical and mechanical features and ion-release effects of such composites concerning osteogenic and angiogenic responses in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, recent developments of BG/gelatin composites using 3D/4D printing for tissue engineering are presented. Finally, the perspectives and current challenges in developing desirable composites for the regeneration of different tissues are outlined.

Cryopreservation of Cell Sheets for Regenerative Therapy: Application of Vitrified Hydrogel Membranes

“…However, owing to their low mechanical strength, researchers have attempted to improve the strength of these materials [ 37 ]. The resulting gelatin hydrogel, similar to the collagen hydrogel described above, is widely used as a base material for cell adhesion and regenerative medicine [ 38 ].…”

Perspectives on the impact of crystallization in bioactive glasses and glass‐ceramics

“…It is important to explore how the crystallization process can also regulate the reactivity of solid phases in advanced processes involving printing media that are water-based or composed of corrosive polymers. [113][114][115] Exposing BGC powders to corrosive environments before delivery will cause loss of therapeutic ions and therefore reduce their effectiveness. Careful consideration must be given when designing this bioactive glass containing printing media to prevent premature dissolution.…”

Design and Manufacture of Bone Cements Based on Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate and Mg, Sr-Doped Bioactive Glass

“…It has been stated that Mg (Magnesium) and Sr (Strontium) as therapeutic ions in bioactive glass have biological properties. Sr improves mechanical stability and increases in vitro bioactivity and bone cell adhesion [36].…”