Hexagonal Boron Nitride/PCL/PLG Coatings on Borate Bioactive Glass Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration

In this study, hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticle- containing (0.1-2 wt%) polycaprolactone (PCL) and polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLG)-coated 13-93B3 borate-based porous bioactive glass composite scaffolds were prepared by polymer foam replication method and their ability to use in bone tissue engineering applications was assessed. Morphological, mechanical properties, cytotoxicity and the drug release behavior of the prepared composite scaffolds were investigated. In vitro bioactivity was tested in simulated body fluid and results were analyzed using FTIR spectrometer and SEM. Results showed that both polymer coating and the existence of hBN nanoparticles in the polymeric matrix improved the compressive strength of the fabricated composite scaffolds. Incorporation of the hBN nanoparticles enhanced the in vitro hydroxyapatite forming ability of the glass composites. Results also revealed that prepared bioactive glass based composite scaffolds showed no toxicity to MC3T3-E1 cells under in vitro conditions up to 72 h and hBN-containing glass scaffolds showed higher gentamicin sulfate release rates compared to the bare polymer coated scaffolds. Manufactured bioactive glass scaffolds containing hBN nanoparticles are found to be promising for bone repair and regeneration.