Three-dimensional bioglass-collagen-phosphatidylserine scaffolds designed with functionally graded structure and mechanical features

: The development of scaffolds featuring spatiotemporal controlled release of drugs is highly desirable. The goal of this study is to construct an inhomogeneous scaffold with gradient pore structure from top layer to bottom layer. The scaffolds were prepared using bioglass (BG), phosphatidylserine (PS) and steroidal saponins (SS) loaded collagen (COL) microparticles as the main components. The resulting scaffold constructs were characterized in terms of their morphology, drug release kinetics and mechanisms, as well as macroscopic form stability and mechanical properties. Pore interconnectivity and graded distribution were demonstrated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Such constructs have been further shown to be advantageous for temporal and spatial control of drug release and deposition in the scaffolds, with a potential to repair bone defect more precisely and effectively. Changes in the BG content resulted in distinct macroscopic form stability and mechanical properties to scaffolds. An increase in the BG content in scaffolds led to less volume swell as well as higher ultimate strength and compressive modulus, which makes the scaffolds mechanically adjustable according to certain structures and properties of different bone defect sites. The developed scaffolds may show promise for promoting bone tissue regeneration.