Gelatin-Calcium Phosphate Composite Scaffold: From Fabrication to Mechanical and Biological Properties Investigation

The fabrication of the most similar structure to the bone with appropriate mechanical, physical, and biological characteristics is challenging. The main aim of the present research is to design, fabricate, and characterize the gelatin-calcium phosphate composite scaffolds. First, calcium phosphate particles (SCP) were synthesized through the sol-gel process. Accordingly, the prepared particles were synthesized via the sol-gel route and heat-treated at 1100℃. Then, the gelatin-calcium phosphate composite scaffolds were fabricated through solvent casting and freeze-drying methods. According to the pycnometer and particle size (PSA) analyses, the density and the particle size of the SCP particles were 4.06 g/cm3 and 37±5 nm, respectively. Based on the XRD and DTA-TG results of the particles, crystallization of the calcium phosphate phases has been started at 800℃. The functional groups of the particles have been also studied through FTIR analysis. The roughness of the particles was 17.32nm based on the AFM microscopy results. According to the three-point flexural test, the final strength of the scaffolds was 15 MPa. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed that the scaffolds had a completely porous structure with interconnected pores. Resazurin Red Assay confirmed the viability of 78% of stem cells on the scaffolds after 5 days of seeding. Immersion of the scaffolds in the simulated body fluid (SBF) caused the controlled release of the Ca2+, Si4+, and PO43- ions. Altogether, the gelatin-calcium phosphate composite scaffolds have a promising role in tissue engineering applications.