Pore size regulates mesenchymal stem cell response to Bioglass-loaded composite scaffolds.

Composite scaffolds fabricated from synthetic polymers and bioceramics such as bioactive glasses are promising alternatives to autogenous bone grafts for treatment of bone defects. Compared to other bioceramics, we previously demonstrated that bioactive glass (Bioglass 45S®, BG) further enhances the osteogenic program of bone-forming osteoblasts when incorporated into poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) macroporous scaffolds. However, cell response is dependent on parameters beyond scaffold composition including pore size and bioceramic availability to cells.