3D-macroporous hybrid scaffolds for tissue engineering: Network design and mathematical modeling of the degradation kinetics

In the present study it is reported the synthesis, characterization and subsequent degradation performance of organic–inorganic hybrid systems chemically modified by bi-functional crosslinker (glutaraldehyde, GA). The hybrids were prepared by combining 70% poly (vinyl alcohol) and 30% bioactive glass (58SiO2–33CaO–9P2O5, BaG) via sol–gel route using foaming-casting method producing different macroporous tri-dimensional scaffolds depending on the degree of network crosslinking. The in vitro degradation kinetics was evaluated by measuring the mass loss upon soaking into de-ionized water at 37 °C for up to 21 days and different mathematical models were tested. The PVA/BaG hybrids scaffolds properties “as-synthesized” and after the degradation process were extensively characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), mechanical compressing tests and X-ray Micro-computed Tomography analysis (μCT). The results have clearly shown the effectiveness of tailoring the PVA/BaG hybrids properties and degradation kinetics mechanisms by chemically engineering the structure at nano-order level using different concentrations of the crosslinker. Moreover, these hybrid crosslinked nanostructures have shown 3D hierarchical pore size with interconnected architecture within the range of 10–450 μm for potential use in the field of bone regenerative medicine.