In vitro apatite forming ability and ketoprofen release of radiation synthesized (gelatin‐polyvinyl alcohol)/bioglass composite scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration

A series of bioglass (BG) reinforced composite scaffolds based on polyvinyl alcohol and Gelatin were prepared using γ‐radiation as clean source of initiation and crosslinking. To evaluate the potential applicability of the obtained reinforced BG composites as a scaffold for bone tissue regeneration, the in vitro apatite‐forming ability was assessed in simulated body fluid. The formation of apatite layer was confirmed using different techniques including Fourier transform spectroscopy technique, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, gel fraction, swelling behavior, and thermal properties using thermogravimetric analysis technique of the composite scaffolds were investigated. The obtained data revealed that the presence of the BG particles entrapped within the scaffold matrix promotes hydroxyapatite formation, as a function of immersion time. The degradation of the reinforced composites in phosphate buffer was studied by measuring their weight loss as well as changes in the pH of the incubating medium as a function of time and BG content. In vitro release of ketoprofen as anti‐inflammatory and analgesic drug was investigated to evaluate the composite scaffolds potential as drug carrier. The obtained results showed that the ketoprofen loaded scaffolds were able to deliver the loaded drug in a sustainable manner that last for about 144 h. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:606–615, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers