Bioactive Porous Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications: Investigation on the Degradation Process by Raman Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract

Bioactive glasses in the Na₂O-K₂O-MgO-CaO-B₂O₃-P₂O₅-SiO₂ system characterized by an unusually large working range were used for the production of fiber porous scaffolds. In vitro tests were carried out by immersing the scaffolds in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution; soaking time and glass composition effects on the degradation of the material are the principal subject of this investigation. Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used as the main investigative methods. The study demonstrates the importance of the network modifiers and, in particular, of the amount of alkaline and alkaline earths in the different stages of the material degradation and in the development of the hydroxyl-carbonate-apatite (HCA) layer.