Fabrication and characterization of 3D porous microtube Bioglass 58S using a sacrificial Polyethersulfone template for bone tissue engineering

Abstract

In recent years, bioactive glass (BG) has gained considerable interest in tissue regeneration due to its excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity. BG 58S is a bioactive material that can help regenerate damaged tissue. The aim of this study is to develop a new porous and permeable ceramic microtubule scaffold that mimics natural microvascular networks using a sacrificial template method. The sol-gel process was used to create the BG. Polyethersulfone (PES) fibers, serving as sacrificial templates, were used to form 3D porous microtubes. The yielded green scaffold was then heat-treated for 4 h at 600 degrees C to remove the sacrificial template and calcinate the BG. The physical, chemical, and biological properties of the porous microtube were evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), MTT assays, and cell adhesion assays. After putting the porous microtube in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF), SEM and Xray diffraction analysis showed that hydroxyapatite formed on it. Additionally, the porous microtube significantly increased cell proliferation and survival. The results showed that the porous microtubular scaffold made of BG 58S has promising potential for further studies in tissue regeneration.