A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Bilayer Fiber‐Reinforced Composite‐Hydrogel Scaffolds With Bioactive Glass for Bone Tissue Regeneration




AuthorsGibreel, Mona; Ohlsbom, Roope; Perea‐Lowery, Leila; Lassila, Lippo; Puistola, Paula; Hopia, Karoliina; Miettinen, Susanna; Mörö, Anni; Vallittu, Pekka K.

PublisherWiley

Publication year2026

Journal: Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A

Article numbere70037

Volume114

ISSN1549-3296

eISSN1552-4965

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1002/jbma.70037

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Partially Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.1002/jbma.70037

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/515616425

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

Bone tissue regeneration for large defects presents a significant challenge, demanding scaffolds that combine robust mechanical support alongside a bioactive environment. Hydrogels represent a promising solution for bone regeneration due to their biocompatibility, tunable properties, and crosslinked three-dimensional (3D) networks mimicking the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). However, their mechanical properties remain suboptimal for restoring bone defects effectively. This study introduces a novel bilayer laminate scaffold, integrating a biostable fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) with a biodegradable, 3D-printed hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel. To enhance bioactivity, bioactive glass (BAG) was incorporated into the hydrogel layer. Comprehensive characterization confirmed the scaffold's chemical and morphological properties, as well as its controlled degradation, sustained ion release, and bioactivity. Additionally, the study revealed that the BAG-induced alkaline pH shift (up to 9.24) affected hydrazone crosslinking efficiency, resulting in reduced hydrogel stiffness (86 ± 8 Pa versus 150 ± 4 Pa in control). The system showed excellent cytocompatibility, supporting high viability and proliferation of human bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) embedded within the hydrogel component. The developed scaffolds promoted osteogenic differentiation, as evidenced by increased ALP activity and upregulated expression of osteogenic marker genes. Nevertheless, BAG incorporation did not enhance early osteogenic differentiation compared to control scaffolds. In conclusion, this bilayer scaffold offers a promising platform for bone tissue engineering (TE), providing some insights into the chemical interplay between inorganic fillers and hydrogel matrix for optimizing future scaffold designs.


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Funding information in the publication
This work was supported by grants from Suomen Lääketieteen Säätiö (Grant 5772 (MG)); Research Council of Finland (Project CEBON 357142 (PV) and Project CoEBoC 336666 (SM)); Business Finland (Project IMD1 11/31/2023 (PV) and Research to Business Project 6763/31/2021 (AM)). This study was financially supported by the State Funding for University-Level Health Research, Tampere University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa, Tampere, Finland.


Last updated on 02/03/2026 04:09:32 PM