The influence of PLGA coating on the structure and compressive strength of bredigite scaffolds

One of the important parameters for bone regeneration scaffolds is their mechanical properties, which is the subject of this study in terms of a calcium magnesium silicate, namely bredigite. In this regard, bredigite powders were synthesized by a sol-gel process and then porous bredigite scaffolds were prepared using a polymer sponge method. Sintered bredigite scaffolds were afterwards coated with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and the influence of the PLGA coating on the morphology, porosity and mechanical properties of the bredigite scaffold was investigated. The results showed that the PLGA-coated bredigite scaffolds maintained their porosity size and level required for bone tissue engineering. Typically, the compressive strength of the bredigite/PLGA scaffold was significantly improved compared to the pure bredigite scaffold due to the alteration of porosity.