Developing Bioengineered 3D Printed Composite Scaffolds with Antimicrobial Potential for Bone Tissue Regeneration

The proposal of this research activity is to produce composite hydrogel-bioactive glass. The primary purpose of this research is to develop and optimize 3D printed scaffolds using doped bioglass, aimed at enhancing bone regeneration in bone defects. The bioglass, a bioactive material known for its bone-bonding ability (SiO2–P2O5–CaO–Na2O), co-doped with europium and silver will be synthesized and doped to improve its biological properties. This doped bioglass will then be combined with a biocompatible hydrogel, chosen for its adequate cellular response and printability. The composite material will be printed to form a scaffold, providing a structure that not only supports the damaged bone, but also encourages osteogenesis. A variety of methods were employed to assess the rheological, compositional, structural, and morphological characteristics of the samples: Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Additionally, simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion for bioactivity monitoring, and immunocytochemistry for cell viability were used to evaluate the biological response of the scaffolds.