Synthesis and characterization of fiber reinforced polymer scaffolds based on natural fibers and polymer for bone tissue engineering application

Authors

1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, P.O. Box 158754413, Tehran, I.R.Iran.

2 Nano Technology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 1985717443, Tehran, I.R. Iran.

3 Department of Biotechnology and Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 14155/6183, Tehran, I.R. Iran.

4 Biological Systems Engineering Laboratory, Centre for Process Systems Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.

Abstract

A wide range of materials and scaffolding fabrication methods for bone tissue engineering have been
explored recently. Fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) system appears to be a suitable system. By the exclusive
use of biocompatible or bio-absorbable polymers and fibers, novel generation of scaffolds for applications
in tissue engineering can be prepared. Mulberry Silk as highlighted natural fiber with its specific economic,
mechanical and biological properties has been used for fabrication FRP scaffolds. In this study FRP scaffolds prepared by a combination of silk fibroin polymer, which is another configuration of silk fibers as a porous matrix and silk fibers as the reinforcement element. FRP scaffolds have been fabricated by the freeze-drying method. Microstructure has been analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and the results show an integrative structure. Mechanical properties have been evaluated by universal testing machine. Compressive mechanical modules as well as strength of FRP scaffolds increased about three times in magnitude in comparison with pure fibroin scaffolds. FRP scaffolds had a compressive module of ~3.6 MPa. Osteoblast viability and attachment on FRP scaffolds were investigated in vitro by MTT assay, which showed no cytotoxic response. Additionally, based on SEM results it is concluded that FRP scaffolds provide a good environment for osteoblast attachment.

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Biotechnology
Volume 10, Issue 3
July 2012
Pages 184-190

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