Biocompatible alginate/nano bioactive glass ceramic composite scaffolds for periodontal tissue regeneration

Periodontal regeneration is of utmost importance in the field of dentistry which essentially reconstitutes and replaces the lost tooth supporting structures. For this purpose, nano bioactive glass ceramic particle (nBGC) incorporated alginate composite scaffold was fabricated and characterized using SEM, EDAX, AFM, FTIR, XRD and other methods. The swelling ability, in vitro degradation, biomineralization and cytocompatibility of the scaffold were also evaluated. The results indicated reduced swelling and degradation and enhanced biomineralization and protein adsorption. In addition, the human periodontal ligament fibroblast (hPDLF) and osteosarcoma (MG-63) cells were viable, adhered and proliferated well on the alginate/bioglass composite scaffolds in comparison to the control alginate scaffolds. The presence of nBGC enhanced the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of the hPDLF cells cultured on the composite scaffolds. Thus results suggest that these biocompatible composite scaffolds can be useful for periodontal tissue regeneration. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.