Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the preparation of porous nanocomposite scaffolds with simultaneous osteogenic - antibacterial properties by incorporating copper - doped bioactive glass nanoparticles into Poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) lactide:glycolide. Bioactive glass nanoparticles were synthesized by using sol-gel technique from the SiO2 - P2O5 - CaO - Na2O - CuO system. Poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) lactide:glycolide nanocomposite scaffolds with different nanoparticle contents were prepared by combined lyophilization/salt leaching. The in vitro bioactivity of the scaffolds was assessed in simulated body fluid, and cell viability and osteogenic differentiation assays were performed with stem cells. Antibacterial activity of the materials was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus. Copper - dopped bioactive glass nanoparticles particles with similar to 70 nm in size and relatively crystalline structure were synthesized. Porous nanocomposite scaffolds prepared with the copper - doped nanoparticles are cytocompatible, promoted the mineralization of bone-like apatite in simulated body fluid, and stimulated the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells as judged by an increased activity the enzyme alkaline phosphatase. The antibacterial activity exhibited by the nanocomposite scaffolds was not statistically superior to that of the neat polymer scaffold. Development of greater antibacterial activity in these nanocomposites would requires further research primarily related to the synthesis of more amorphous and soluble copper - dopped bioactive glass nanoparticles.