The field of tissue engineering has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, driven by the pursuit of innovative solutions to address the challenges of bone regeneration. In this study, we developed an electrospun composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering. The composite scaffold is made of a blend of poly(L‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) (PLCL) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), with the incorporation of calcined and lyophilized silicate‐chlorinated bioactive glass (BG) particles. Our investigation involved a comprehensive characterization of the scaffold's physical, chemical, and mechanical properties, alongside an evaluation of its biological efficacy employing alveolar bone‐derived mesenchymal stem cells. The incorporation of PEG and BG resulted in elevated swelling ratios, consequently enhancing hydrophilicity. Thermal gravimetric analysis confirmed the efficient incorporation of BG, with the scaffolds demonstrating thermal stability up to 250°C. Mechanical testing revealed enhanced tensile strength and Young's modulus in the presence of BG; however, the elongation at break decreased. Cell viability assays demonstrated improved cytocompatibility, especially in the PLCL/PEG+BG group. Alizarin red staining indicated enhanced osteoinductive potential, and fluorescence analysis confirmed increased cell adhesion in the PLCL/PEG+BG group. Our findings suggest that the PLCL/PEG/BG composite scaffold holds promise as an advanced biomaterial for bone tissue engineering.

Objective: The electrospinning is a widely adopted technique used to produce the polymeric fibers. The process depends on process parameters (voltage, flow rate and distance from capillary to the collector). The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of these parameters on chitosan fibers, a biopolymer used as scaffolds in dental and oral tissue engineering. Material and Methods: A solution of 7%(m/w) was prepared dissolving 0.7g of chitosan in 7 mL of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and 0.3mL of dichloromethane (DCM) (TFA/DCM - 70:30). After 12 hours, polymer solution (5 mL) was drawn into the syringe and pumped through needles of 0.4 mm internal diameter, at a rate of 0.8 mLh-1, different needle-tip-to-collector distances and voltages, for 10 min. Electrospun fibers micrographies were obtained using the Scanning Electron Microscope for morphological analysis. Results: All voltages showed significant difference (p < 0.0001) between them. At 15kV fibers showed higher concentration of beads. At 10 and 12 cm of distance there was no statistical significance (p > 0.0001) but at 15 cm beads formation increased significantly (p < 0.0001). At 12 cm fibers showed lowest fibers diameter in comparison to 10 and 15 cm (p < 0.0001). There was no difference between 10 and 12 cm (p > 0.0001) but in comparison to 15 cm both distances presented significantly difference (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that morphology, in chitosan electrospun fibers, is influenced by the voltage and distance and this could describe the mohphological control of these structures. KeywordsChitosan; Fibers; Electrochemical.

Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) and biomaterials, such as mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG), are critical for bone tissue engineering. This study aimed to 3D-print CPC scaffolds modified with MBG to enhance their osteogenic potential and regenerative ability. MBG powder was synthesized and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nitrogen adsorption–desorption techniques. A commercial CPC ink (hydroxyapatite/α-tricalcium phosphate) was mixed with 5% MBG (w/w; CPC/MBG), and, after rheological assessment, the mixture was used to obtain scaffolds via 3D printing. These scaffolds were then tested for chemical, morphological, and mechanical properties, as well as ion release analysis. Unmodified CPC 3D-printed scaffolds served as controls. Biological experiments, including cell viability, DNA content, cell adhesion/spreading, and osteogenic gene expression, were performed by seeding alveolar bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells onto the scaffolds. Statistics were performed using Student’s t-test and ANOVA with post hoc tests (α = 5%). MBG characterization showed a typical mesoporous structure with aligned microchannels and an amorphous structure. Both formulations released calcium and phosphate ions; however, CPC/MBG also released silicon. Cell viability, adhesion/spreading, and DNA content were significantly greater in CPC/MBG scaffolds compared to CPC (p < 0.05) after 3 and 7 days of culture. Furthermore, CPC/MBG supported increased expression of key osteogenic genes, including collagen (COL1A1), osteocalcin (OCN), and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), after 14 days (p < 0.05). The combination of CPC ink with MBG particles effectively enhances the biocompatibility and osteogenic potential of the scaffold, making it an innovative bioceramic ink formulation for 3D printing personalized scaffolds for bone regeneration.