Optimization of Gelatin/PEG Scaffold with Zn/Mg Doped Bioactive Ceramic Glass Using Response Surface Method (RSM)

Chaychi, Mania; Bagheri, Gita

Optimization of Gelatin/PEG Scaffold with Zn/Mg Doped Bioactive Ceramic Glass Using Response Surface Method (RSM)

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

M. Chaychi ¹

G. bagheri ²

¹ Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shahriar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahriar, Iran;

² Department of Chemical Engineering, Shahriar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahriar, Iran;

Abstract

Research subject: This study aims to improve the biocompatibility, bioactivity, and mechanical properties of gelatin-based composite scaffolds by coating them with polyethylene glycol (PEG) doped with bioactive glasses (BGs) containing zinc and magnesium.

Research approach: A response surface methodology (RSM) was used to model and evaluate the effects of two independent variables: the PEG/Gel weight ratio (X1) and the BG weight percentage (X2). The responses investigated included ultimate strength, Young's modulus, elongation at break, swelling percentage, erosion percentage, and moisture absorption percentage.

Main results: Optimal conditions were determined to obtain scaffolds with suitable mechanical strength, biocompatibility and degradability. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to obtain the best model describing the influence of each independent variable on the responses. The optimal scaffold formulation was selected based on software-defined parameters. The FTIR spectrum was used to analyze the functional groups present on the surface of the samples. The FTIR spectrum of the synthesized BGs showed a broad vibrational band in the range of 900 to 1100 cm^-1, which is attributed to the asymmetric Si-O-Si stretching band. The FTIR spectrum of the PEG/Gel/BG composite confirmed the presence of BG in the scaffolds and the interaction between the polymer matrix and BG. Increasing the amount of BG relative to the polymer scaffold led to a decrease in pore size and consequently, a decrease in the scaffold's swelling percentage. The effect of varying the BG weight percentage on tensile strength was greater than that of the PEG/Gel weight ratio. The tensile strength increased significantly due to the good interaction between the polymer scaffold and BG, as well as the uniform dispersion of BG within the polymer matrix. SEM images indicated that cells penetrated well into the scaffolds and formed a suitable three-dimensional cellular network. Cytotoxicity, cell attachment and proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation were evaluated using the MTT test and by culturing MG-63 cells on the scaffold. Cell viability showed no significant difference between the tested and control samples.

Keywords

composite scaffold

Gelatin

Polyethylene glycol

Bioactive glass

Response surface method

Subjects

Composite

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