Monetite layer by layer coating for bone regeneration application

In critical size defects, bone lacks the ability to heal spontaneously and an external intervention is needed to restore its structure and function. Over the years, bone tissue engineering science has developed various types of biocompatible materials to address this issue and accelerate bone formation. However, technical challenges remain due to a demand for materials that mimic the physicochemical properties of natural bone . In this study, we demonstrate the use of a monetite scaffold as a supportive structure, which we alternately coated using oppositely charged chitosan and alginate polymers to form a thin film. Liposome particles were also incorporated in the layers to be used as a drug delivery system model. The monetite was obtained thermally , and the transformation phase was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The constructed film was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The embedded liposomes and layers were recognized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Accordingly, the increase in the number of layers was detected after the second layer. The cement strength was improved by increasing the number of layers from 1.5 MPa to 3.0 MPa in compression , and in toughness from 0.3 MPa to 0.7 MPa. The decomposition of the layers was evaluated by calculating the FITC dye release from the first layer. The results showed that increasing the number of layers helps the film stay longer and lowers degradation time. Pre-osteoblast MC3T3 cells were used in direct contact to assess the biocompatibility of the constructed system. The results showed significantly higher cell viability with coated monetite, which was clearly enhanced by increasing the number of layers.