Robocast 45S5 bioglass scaffolds: in vitro behavior

The in vitro bioactivity and degradation behavior of 45S5 bioglass robocast scaffolds is investigated by immersion tests in simulated body fluid (SBF). A comparative study is conducted between fully amorphous scaffolds, sintered at 550 °C, and mostly crystalline structures, sintered at 1000 °C. The degradation behavior is evaluated through measurements of the weight loss and solution pH variations upon immersion in SBF. The concurrent formation of calcium-rich precipitates on the scaffold surface during immersion in SBF solution was also monitored. The effect of the degradation on the scaffolds’ mechanical performance in compression is subsequently analyzed. Finally, in vitro cell culture experiments were performed to evaluate the proliferation behavior of osteoblast-like cells onto both types of robocast scaffolds. Amorphous scaffolds exhibited an enhanced in vitro degradation and faster calcium carbonate precipitation. However, cell proliferation was not enhanced in the glassy structures compared to the crystalline scaffolds, which demonstrated also a better mechanical performance, as expected.