Fabrication and characterization of zein-bioactive glass scaffolds

Plant proteins show advantages over animal-based proteins for biomaterial applications attributable to their ease of availability and suitable biodegradability. In this study, composite foams based on zein and 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) particles were produced through salt leaching for potential applications in bone tissue engineering (BTE) applications. Different characterization techniques were used including scanning electron microscopy for morphological and microstructural analysis, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction for composition characterization and mechanical tests. Zein-BG composite scaffolds demonstrate enhanced bioactivity with a compressive modulus and strength around 5.7 MPa and 1.9 MPa, respectively. Zein-BG composite scaffolds constitute a new bioactive material with potential applications in BTE.