Synthesis and characterization of fiber reinforced polymer scaffolds based on natural fibers and polymer for bone tissue engineering application

A wide range of materials and scaffolding fabrication methods for bone tissue engineering have beenexplored recently. Fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) system appears to be a suitable system. By the exclusiveuse of biocompatible or bio-absorbable polymers and fibers, novel generation of scaffolds for applicationsin tissue engineering can be prepared. Mulberry Silk as highlighted natural fiber with its specific economic,mechanical and biological properties has been used for fabrication FRP scaffolds. In this study FRP scaffolds prepared by a combination of silk fibroin polymer, which is another configuration of silk fibers as a porous matrix and silk fibers as the reinforcement element. FRP scaffolds have been fabricated by the freeze-drying method. Microstructure has been analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and the results show an integrative structure. Mechanical properties have been evaluated by universal testing machine. Compressive mechanical modules as well as strength of FRP scaffolds increased about three times in magnitude in comparison with pure fibroin scaffolds. FRP scaffolds had a compressive module of ~3.6 MPa. Osteoblast viability and attachment on FRP scaffolds were investigated in vitro by MTT assay, which showed no cytotoxic response. Additionally, based on SEM results it is concluded that FRP scaffolds provide a good environment for osteoblast attachment.