Solvent casting-particulate leaching synthesis of a nano-SiO2/chitosan composite scaffold for potential use in bone tissue engineering

This work aimed to introduce nanosized SiO2 into the CS matrix to produce three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds by solvent casting combined with salt leaching using NaCl as a porogen agent. The amount of the porogen to polymer was varied to produce 3D CS/SiO2 scaffolds with suitable pore sizes and porosity.
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Solvent casting-particulate leaching synthesis of a nano-SiO2/chitosan composite scaffold for potential use in bone tissue engineeringCite this paper: Vietnam J. Chem., 2023, 61(5), 605-611 Research articleDOI: 10.1002/vjch.202300020 Solvent casting-particulate leaching synthesis of a nano-SiO2/chitosan composite scaffold for potential use in bone tissue engineering Nguyen Kim Nga*, Tran Thi Thu Huyen, Ta Ngoc Dung School of Chemical Engineering, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi 10000, Viet Nam Submitted January 27, 2023; Revised April 8, 2023; Accepted June 5, 2023Abstract In this work, a three-dimensional (3D) scaffold comprised of chitosan and SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) (CS/SiO2) wassynthesized for bone tissue engineering. The scaffold was synthesized using a combination of solvent casting and saltleaching methods. The nanoparticle sizes were controlled by hydrothermal treatment with the aid ofcetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), which was then used as a bio-inorganic component of the compositescaffold. Various methods, such as SEM, FTIR, XRD, and liquid substitution, were conducted to determine themorphology, structure, pore sizes, and porosity of the synthesized scaffolds and the interaction between the SiO2 andCS phases. The mechanical properties of the composite scaffolds were evaluated by testing their tensile strength. Theresults showed that the synthesized 3D CS/SiO2 scaffolds exhibited porous structures with suitable average pore sizesranging from 198 to 269 µm and porosities from 70.99 to 73.23%, respectively. The tensile strengths of the CS/SiO2scaffolds were around 1.57-1.83 MPa, matching well with those of cancellous bone. These appropriate values in termsof pore size, porosity, and tensile strength suggest that CS/SiO2 scaffolds could support cell migration, growth, anddistribution. The synthesized CS/SiO2 scaffolds would be potential biomaterials for bone tissue engineeringapplications. Keywords. SiO2, scaffold, solvent casting, particulate leaching, bone-tissue engineering.1. INTRODUCTION BTE scaffolds due to its high biocompatibility, non- antigenicity, and antibacterial properties.[8]Fabrication of bone tissue engineering (BTE) However, the low mechanical properties of chitosanscaffolds utilized in bone replacement and bone lead to the limitation of its use in BTE applications.healing has expanded rapidly over the last decades. The mechanical properties of chitosan can beIn general, scaffolding materials have been designed improved by combining it with bioactive inorganics.to mimic natural bone structures for repairing or Previous studies have shown that silicon dioxidereplacing injured bone.[1-3] A scaffold is a substrate (SiO2) or silica can support the crystallization offor implanted cells and the physical support in apatite crystals, cell adhesion, and collagenforming new tissue. Thus, an ideal scaffold needs to formation on scaffold surfaces.[9] Moreover,have biocompatibility and porous structure so that nanosized SiO2 has a large specific surface area andthe cell can adhere and grow, tissue can develop, and can form a tighter interface with the polymer matrixtissue fluids and nutrients can transfer freely. in composites.[10] Thus, the combination of chitosanUsually, most scaffolds are composed of polymers, and nano SiO2 in composites is expected to enhancebio-ceramics, and hybrid materials.[4-6] Although tailored physical, biological, and mechanicalnumerous materials have been studied for bone properties for bone scaffolds. Several previousscaffold fabrication, only a few materials (e.g., nano- works have reported the successful fabrication ofhydroxyapatite and biopolymer) have been reported CS-based scaffolds containing nano-SiO2 by theto be able to support cell growth within scaffolds.[7] freeze-drying method.[8,11] Kavya et al. haveThus, numerous studies focus on the fabrication of successfully synthesized chitosan/gelatin/nano-SiO2composite scaffolds with a suitable microstructure to composite scaffolds by freeze-drying technique.[11]enhance cell adhesion and proliferation. Soumitri et al. also used this method to develop a Chitosan (CS) is an excellent biopolymer with bio-composite scaffold combining chitosan (CS),similar structural groups to the natural extracellular nano-scaled silicon dioxide (Si), and zirconia (Zr).[8]matrix. It can ...