Uniform surface modification of 3D Bioglass®-based scaffolds with mesoporous silica particles (MCM-41) for enhancing drug uptake capability

• Main Authors: Elena eBoccardi, Anahi ePhilippart, Judith eBortuzzo, Ana eBeltran, Giorgia eNovarja, Chiara eVitale Brovarone, Erdmann eSpiecker, Aldo R. Boccaccini
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2015-11-01
• Series: Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
• Subjects: Ibuprofen; scaffolds; silica; drug release; Bioactive glass; MCM-41
• Online Access: http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fbioe.2015.00177/full
• ISSN: 2296-4185

The design and characterization of a new family of multifunctional scaffolds based on bioactive glass (BG) of 45S5 composition for bone tissue engineering and drug delivery applications is presented. These BG-based scaffolds are developed via a replication method of polyurethane packaging foam. In order to increase the therapeutic functionality, the scaffolds were coated with mesoporous silica particles (MCM-41), which act as an in-situ drug delivery system. These sub-micron spheres are characterized by large surface area and pore volume with a narrow pore diameter distribution. The solution used for the synthesis of the silica mesoporous particles was designed to obtain at the same time a high ordered mesoporous structure and spherical shape, both are key factors for achieving the desired controlled drug release. The MCM-41 particles were synthesized directly inside the BG-based scaffolds and the drug release capability of this combined system was evaluated. Moreover the effect of MCM-41 particle coating on the bioactivity of the BG-based scaffolds was assessed. The results indicate that it is possible to obtain a multifunctional scaffold system characterized by high and interconnected porosity, high bioactivity and sustained drug delivery capability.