Effect of Silane-Coupling Modification on the Performance of chitosan-poly vinyl Alcohol-Hybrid Scaffolds in Bone Tissue Engineering

Biocompatibility and biodegradability characteristics of some polymers make them an excellent candidate to fabricate porous scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. However, the scaffold mechanical properties and biodegradation rate are vital for bone tissue replacement applications, which can be improved using proper fabrication techniques and cross-linker. In this investigation, Chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol scaffolds were prepared by freeze-drying technique utilizing various weight ratios of 3-Glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) as a bioactive inorganic crosslinker. SEM micrographs indicated interconnected porous structures of cross-linked scaffolds while the average diameter of pores increased as a function of cross-linker enhancement. FTIR analysis was performed to confirm interactions among organic and inorganic components. The mechanical strength test represented that increasing GPTMS content improves the compressive strength of samples. The absorption capacity of the scaffolds in the PBS solution exhibited a decrease in water uptake and biodegradation by increasing silane coupling agent concentration. The formation of needle-like apatite particles proved suitable bioactivity of cross-linked samples. Moreover, MTT assay and ALP expression showed an acceptable adhesion, spreading, proliferation, and differentiation of MG-63 cells on the silane-contained scaffolds. Obtained results warrant further preclinical and clinical evaluations.