Exploring the Zein/58S Bioactive Glass Nanocomposite for Enhanced Bone Tissue Engineering: A Comprehensive Investigation of Structural, Chemical, Biological, and Osteogenic Properties through in Vitro and in Vivo Studies

Bone tissue engineering has emerged as an innovative approach for repairing and regenerating bone defects. This study focuses on the development of new scaffolds with key attributes, including biocompatibility, bioactivity, biodegradability, cost effectiveness, and safety. In this investigation, we designed and synthesized a novel nanofibrous scaffold using the electrospinning method, incorporating zein/58S bioactive glass. The manufactured scaffolds underwent comprehensive characterization for morphology, sustainability, and chemical structure. Moreover, to demonstrate their efficacy in bone healing, we quantified essential factors such as biodegradation rate, contact angle, mechanical strength, bioactivity, cytotoxicity, and cell adherence. Following that, the osteogenesis effect of scaffolds was evaluated in vitro as well as in vivo through implanting them in the calvarium of the rats. Specifically, we conducted detailed investigations using alizarin red staining, real-time PCR, and histopathology, along with immunohistochemistry assessments. Based on our results, the fiber diameters were about 160.2 ± 7 nm, 163.5 ± 38.3 nm, and 164 ± 39.3 nm, respectively for zein, 2%BG, and 4%BG mats. Incorporation of 58 S increased contact angle from 96.03 ± 0.7° to 51.7 ± 2.02°, and consequently improved cell adhesion. The degradation rate of all scaffolds was about 20%, and chemical analysis (FTIR) confirmed the presence of 58 S in zein nanoscale mats. Tensile analysis presented that applying bioactive glass rescued Young’s modulus from 0.34 ± 0.07 to 0.08 ± 0.009 MPa. Meanwhile, other results revealed that 4%BG scaffolds exhibit desirable properties, being porous, safe, bioactive, and osteogenic. These findings robustly affirm the competence and potential of the manufactured nanofibrous scaffold containing 4%BG for applications in bone tissue engineering. Graphical Abstract The schematic diagram illustrating different stages of the study, including; zein/BG scaffold synthesis, characterizations and osteogenesis evaluation in vitro and in vivo