Fabrication of polyethylene glycol composite with silicon carbide scaffold for use in bone tissue engineering

The aim of carrying out this research was to fabricate and characterize a nano–SiC scaffold with PEG in order to utilize in bone tissue engineering. For this purpose, nano–SiC powder was synthesized via ball milling method. Fabrication of scaffolds and their coating were carried out using polymeric sponge replication and dip – coating methods. Nano–SiC and scaffolds were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), particle size distribution test (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Brunauer Emmet Teller (BET). In order to examine the physical and mechanical properties of the scaffolds, porosity percentage and compressive strength values were measured. Results showsd that nano–SiC powder were synthesized and characterized via ball milling method with success. Fabrication and characterization of nano–SiC–PEG scaffolds was conducted via polymeric sponge replication and dip coating methods with success. The porosity of the scaffolds was found to be around 65-80%. The compressive strength of the scaffolds was found to be around 0.72-2.32 MPa. Finally, the 30% by weight silicon carbide scaffold with polyethylene glycol coating and 30 seconds coating time was introduced as the optimal scaffold that can be used for bone tissue engineering applications (spongy bone).