Background
Bone tissue engineering aims to develop biomimetic scaffolds that support cell attachment, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. Silk fibroin (SF) and bacterial cellulose (BC) are promising natural biomaterials due to their biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Incorporation of bioactive nanoparticles such as magnesium oxide (MgONPs) may further enhance osteogenic potential.
Materials and Method
Porous scaffolds composed of SF, BC, and MgONPs were fabricated using the freeze drying technique. Structural and chemical properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Porosity, compressive strength, swelling behavior, and degradation rate were evaluated. Human adipose derived stem cells (hASCs) were cultured on the scaffolds to assess cell attachment, proliferation (MTT assay), hemocompatibility, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization (Alizarin Red S staining), and expression of osteogenic genes (RUNX2, ALP, and BGLAP).