Fabrication, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of β-TCP/ZrO2-phosphate-based bioactive glass scaffolds for bone repair

Abstract Scaffolds have proven to be an excellent option for the regeneration of bone tissues; since they present excellent results of architecture, composition, and functionality. Therefore, scaffolds can be used as implants to repair bones and show guided regeneration, allowing complete restructuring of damaged tissue, as well as allowing the site where the implant is located to have functionality. In the present investigation, three different beta-phase tricalcium phosphate/zirconia-reinforced phosphate-based bioactive glass compositions were evaluated: V1, VZ0.5, and VZ1.0 (0, 0.5, and 1 mol%). All scaffolds showed excellent bioactivity and osteoconductivity results. They were forming HA crystalline aggregates with the typical cauliflower morphology in vitro studies in simulated body fluid and with human osteoblasts (MG-63). On the other hand, cell proliferation analyzed using the BrdU assay and apoptosis using Annexin V. As well as the viability (MTT assay) and adhesion (RT-PCR of beta 3 integrin) of osteoblasts at day 14. Zirconia had a significant positive effect on cell proliferation as well as in the cell adhesion, with a substantial proliferation for the scaffold with VZ1.0 composition. Due to the zirconia modifies the scaffold surface, allowing greater cell adhesion, an essential step for cell proliferation to take place.