Enhanced Osteoconductive Properties of Quince Seed Hydrocolloid-Based Composite Scaffolds Enriched With Bioactive Glass for Bone Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Bioactive composite scaffolds enhance osteoconduction and mineralization, offering potential for bone regeneration. In this study, polysaccharide-based Quince Seed Hydrocolloid (QSH) was combined with Gelatin (Gel), mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs), and 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) to fabricate osteoconductive scaffolds. QSH/Gel/BG and QSH/Gel/MBGN composites were characterized for chemical composition, mechanical behavior, and in vitro bioactivity. FTIR and SEM-elemental mapping confirmed homogeneous bioactive glass incorporation. BET analysis revealed a >3-fold increase in surface area for MBGN-containing scaffolds compared to BG and pristine QSH/Gel samples, attributed to the nanoscale mesoporous structure of MBGNs. Swelling tests showed a hydrophilic nature in all scaffolds, with MBGN composites exhibiting the highest swelling ratio (2094 +/- 571%), nearly twice that of BG composites (1105 +/- 56%). Compression tests indicated similar elastic moduli for MBGN and BG containing scaffolds (2330 and 2140 Pa). Human osteosarcoma cell cultures (28 days) demonstrated high viability (>70%) and osteoconductive response in all composites. Alizarin Red staining and SEM mapping revealed greater mineral accumulation in MBGN-containing scaffolds (Ca/P: 2.53). Overall, both composites supported a 3D osteoconductive microenvironment, while MBGN scaffolds exhibited superior long-term cell viability and mineralization potential, emphasizing their suitability for bone tissue engineering applications.