Dr. Surirat Yotthuan

Visiting researcher (Department of Science Service, Thailand)

Zn/Cu-Doped Borosilicate Glass Composite Scaffolds with Bioactive and Piezoelectric Properties

 

Supervisor: Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini

Borosilicate glass doped with zinc and copper (Zn/Cu-BSG) is considered a promising biomaterial for fabricating scaffolds for bone tissue engineering due to its excellent bioactivity [1], [2]. However, its mechanical limitations and lack of bioelectrical functionality pose challenges for advanced regenerative applications. In this study, composite scaffolds consisting of 80 wt% Zn/Cu-BSG and 20 wt% piezoelectric (PZ) phases are fabricated using the foam replication method to achieve a porous structure favorable for cell infiltration and nutrient transport. The effects of BT incorporation on cytocompatibility, mechanical strength, hydroxyapatite formation, and piezoelectric behavior were investigated. The synergistic combination of Zn/Cu-BSG and PZ phases is expected to enhance both the biological and electromechanical performance of scaffolds, making them as strong candidates for next-generation bone regeneration therapies. This project is part of our on-going collaboration with the National Institute of Reference Laboratory, Department of Science Service, Bangkok, Thailand.

[1]      H. Wang et al., “Three-dimensional zinc incorporated borosilicate bioactive glass scaffolds for rodent critical-sized calvarial defects repair and regeneration,” Colloids Surfaces B Biointerfaces, vol. 130, pp. 149–156, 2015, doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.03.053.

[2]      H. Wang et al., “Evaluation of borate bioactive glass scaffolds as a controlled delivery system for copper ions in stimulating osteogenesis and angiogenesis in bone healing,” J. Mater. Chem. B, vol. 2, no. 48, pp. 8547–8557, 2014, doi: 10.1039/c4tb01355g.