Effectual drug-releasing porous scaffolds from 1,6-diisocyanatohexane-extended poly(1,4-butylene succinate) for bone tissue regeneration

Tooth extraction induces residual ridge resorption which impairs function and aesthetic of dental prostheses. This study aimed at developing new bone scaffolds to be used in a tooth socket for preserving bone mass from the residual ridge resorption. Scaffolds were fabricated from poly(1,4-butylene succinate) extended with 1,6-diisocyanatohexane (PBSu-DCH) by solvent casting and particulate leaching technique. Four different weight ratios of NaCl particles (200-400 mu m: used as the porogen species) and the polymer were varied (i.e., 25, 30, 35, and 40% based on the weight of the polymer). Scaffolds were evaluated for their physical (i.e., morphology, porosity, pore volume, and pore size), physico-mechanical (i.e., mechanical properties and water retention ability), and biological properties (i.e., cytotoxicity and bone cell attachment). The potential for use of the as-prepared materials as effectual drug-releasing scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration was assessed by incorporating ipriflavone and studying the release of the drug from the drug-loaded scaffolds. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.