Behavior of PGS/apatite foam scaffolds during incubation in SBF, PBS, Ringer's solution, artificial saliva, and distilled water.

Background: Poly(glycerol sebacate) is a polymeric material with potential biomedical application in the field of tissue engineering. In order to act as a biodegradable scaffold, its incubation study is vital to simulate its behavior.

Objectives: This study explores the degradation of porous poly(glycerol sebacate)/hydroxyapatite scaffolds subjected to incubation in various physiological solutions.

Material And Methods: The research involved monitoring pH and conductivity values over a 14-day period, as well as analyzing the swelling capacity and mass alterations of the scaffolds.

Results: In simulated body fluid (SBF) and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), the pH levels remained relatively stable, whereas Ringer's solution caused a pH decrease. Conversely, artificial saliva demonstrated an increase in pH, and distilled water caused a slight decrease. The conductivity values remained stable in SBF and Ringer's solution, slightly decreased in PBS, increased in artificial saliva, and significantly increased in distilled water. The swelling capacity of the scaffolds varied depending on the solution used, with the lowest equilibrium swelling observed in SBF and PBS. The effect of the presence of ceramics on this parameter was also observed. The mass changes of the scaffolds indicated deposition of particles or salts from the incubation solutions, and subsequent rinsing in distilled water led to a decrease in mass. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and elemental analysis confirmed the presence of crystallized salts on the scaffold surfaces after incubation in SBF. Surface roughness measurements revealed changes in roughness depending on the solution, with deposition of additional layers in SBF and degradation in artificial saliva.

Conclusions: In summary, the scaffolds exhibited biodegradation in physiological solutions, with variations in pH, conductivity, swelling capacity, mass changes, and surface morphology depending on the specific solution and scaffold composition.