Succinic Acid functionalized, Silk Fibroin and Hydroxyapatite Based Scaffolds for Craniofacial Deformity Repair

Abstract Intricate craniofacial deformities require artificial bone grafts or scaffolds combined with adequate properties for functional restoration. To address such defects, we fabricated freeze dried silk fibroin (SF) based composite. The hydroxyapatite (HAp) was used as an additive for tunable microstructure and succinic acid (SA) was used as a novel crosslinker to modulate biodegradation rate. Mechanical properties, microstructure/porosity, degradation, swelling, and biocompatibility were examined in this study. The presence of hydroxyapatite and silk fibroin lead to increased swelling potential. The porosity of composite scaffolds was calculated 50% to 66% which considered relevant for cell adhesion and proliferation properties of composites. The in vitro cell viability assay concluded no cytotoxic effects. The viability results illustrated that the presence of both HA and silk govern higher percentage viability. The presence of ZnO was observed as a potent instigator of osteoblast proliferation and mineralization, hence promoting bone healing processes. The live dead assay also supported the findings that the composite scaffolds serve as matrices that promote osteogenic differentiation potential and support cell growth. Conclusively, the fabricated novel composite scaffolds possess all the potential characteristics that could be used promisingly for repair and regeneration of craniofacial deformities.