Biomimetic bone graft with higher bioactivity

The use of 3D osteoconductive scaffolds provides an informative substrate serving as a physical support matrix for in vivo tissue regeneration. In the last few years the use of bioengineered 3D scaffolds has been becoming the most promising experimental approach for the regeneration of living tissues. Stem cells are typically used, in combination with 3D substrates, to promote in vivo bone regeneration and repair. For tissue engineering applications, biomaterials should therefore be able to support the functional properties of osteo-progenitor cells, giving them the optimal microenvironment to perform their physiological activity. Inorganic biomaterials are particularly relevant for bone regeneration; calcium phosphate ceramics have in fact been shown to strongly interact with bone tissue. The aim of the present work was to evaluate two different scaffolds with a defined design and different composition developed to guide/promote tissue repair.