3D-macroporous hybrid scaffolds for tissue engineering: Network design and mathematical modeling of the degradation kinetics

In the present study it is reported the synthesis, characterization and subsequent degradation performance of organic-inorganic hybrid systems chemically modified by bi-functional crosslinker (glutaraldehyde, GA). The hybrids were prepared by combining 70% poly (vinyl alcohol) and 30% bioactive glass (58SiO₂-33CaO-9P₂O₅, BaG) via sol-gel route using foaming-casting method producing different macroporous tri-dimensional scaffolds depending on the degree of network crosslinking. The in vitro degradation kinetics was evaluated by measuring the mass loss upon soaking into de-ionized water at 37 °C for up to 21 days and different mathematical models were tested. The PVA/BaG hybrids scaffolds properties “as-synthesized” and after the degradation process were extensively characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), mechanical compressing tests and X-ray Micro-computed Tomography analysis (μCT). The results have clearly shown the effectiveness of tailoring the PVA/BaG hybrids properties and degradation kinetics mechanisms by chemically engineering the structure at nano-order level using different concentrations of the crosslinker. Moreover, these hybrid crosslinked nanostructures have shown 3D hierarchical pore size with interconnected architecture within the range of 10-450 μm for potential use in the field of bone regenerative medicine.