ZnO modified 1393 bioactive scaffolds with enhanced cytocompatibility and mechanical performance

Zinc is one of the most essential and vital trace elements for our skeletal system and is accountable for formation, development and maintenance of healthy bones. In present investigation we have synthesized zinc based alkali phosphosilicate 1393 glass scaffolds (Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4) with formula (54.6-X)SiO₂–6Na₂O-7.9K₂O-7.7MgO–22CaO-1.74P₂O₅-XZnO (where X = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0; mol%) through melt-quench route followed by foam replica technique. This experiment deals with the evaluation of ZnO modified porous (Apparent porosity >50%) 1393 glass scaffolds for its desired physico-chemical and biological properties. In vitro bioactivity of these scaffolds was evaluated using XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDS and behavioral changes in pH. Cell adhesion, metabolic activity and Live/Dead assay were carried out using mouse fibroblast L929 cells via MTT assay. Further dose (material conc.) vs cell survivability and apoptosis of colon epithelium HCT 116 cells using Acridyne Orange and Ethidium Bromide (AO/BI) staining was performed. Results illustrates minimal cell lysis, significant increase in cellular metabolic activity, cytocompatibility, and physico-mechanical properties and enhancement in biomineralization and cellular attachments for the zinc derived 1393 scaffolds in comparison with the parent glass scaffold making ZnO derived scaffolds a suitable candidate for neo-bone tissue regenerative or reconstructive application.