A porous calcium-zirconia scaffolds composed of magnetic nanoparticles for bone cancer treatment: Fabrication, characterization and FEM analysis

One of the most critical challenges in tissue engineering is the fabrication of porous scaffolds with high porosity and proper mechanical properties. Conventional synthetic scaffolds are typically made of ceramic composed with other ceramics; however, a better combination of nanocomposite can be obtained using magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs), which benefits both ceramic materials. The current study used the space holder method and mechanical activation to create a porous magnetic-zirconia calcium bio-nanocomposite scaffold for bone tissue applications. The samples were made with varying amounts of reinforcement (0, 5, 10, and 15 wt%). The addition of sodium chloride has the main effect on the porosity size of the architecture. The prepared magnetic-zirconia calcium bionanocomposite scaffold was coated with a 5% solution of chitosan polymer, and its mechanical and biological properties were investigated. Powders and scaffolds were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The cell viability and non-toxicity of porous scaffolds were evaluated by MTT assay. The results showed that the addition of 15 wt% of MNPs changed the mechanical and biological properties of the composite scaffold. According to the SEM results, addition of 15% MNPs did not significantly change the porosity. However, it improves the porosity percentages. After being placed in the simulated body fluid (SBF), SEM images of the scaffolds showed the formation of a bone-like apatite layer on the surfaces of the sample with a higher amount of MNPs. Biocompatibility assessment by MTT test showed that composite scaffolds did not show any toxicity in contact with bone marrow stem cells and increased cell growth and proliferation. The mechanical simulation shows that the specimen's mechanical strength can be predicted by low error and can be a suitable option for bone tissue engineering applications.