Development of biodegradable polyurethane and bioactive glass nanoparticles scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications

The development of polymer/bioactive glass has been recognized as a strategy to improve the mechanical behavior of bioactive glass-based materials. Several studies have reported systems based on bioactive glass/biopolymer composites. In this study, we developed a composite system based on bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNP), obtained by a modified Stober method. We also developed a new chemical route to obtain aqueous dispersive biodegradable polyurethane. The production of polyurethane/BGNP scaffolds intending to combine biocompatibility, mechanical, and physical properties in a material designed for tissue engineering applications. The composites obtained were characterized by structural, biological, and mechanical tests. The films presented 3-50% of deformation and the foams presented pore structure and mechanical properties adequate to support cell growth and proliferation. The materials presented good cell viability and hydroxyapatite layer formation upon immersion in simulated body fluid. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.