A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Bilayer Fiber‐Reinforced Composite‐Hydrogel Scaffolds With Bioactive Glass for Bone Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Gibreel, Mona; Ohlsbom, Roope; Perea‐Lowery, Leila; Lassila, Lippo; Puistola, Paula; Hopia, Karoliina; Miettinen, Susanna; Mörö, Anni; Vallittu, Pekka K.
Publisher: Wiley
Publication year: 2026
Journal: Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A
Article number: e70037
Volume: 114
ISSN: 1549-3296
eISSN: 1552-4965
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jbma.70037
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open 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 address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/515616425
Self-archived copy's licence: CC BY
Self-archived copy's version: Publisher`s PDF
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.