Synthesis, physical characteristics, and biocompatibility test of chitosan-alginate-fucoidan scaffold as an alternative material for alveolar bone substitution.

Abstract

Background: Bone preservation is a critical procedure in dentistry aimed at maintaining the volume of the alveolar ridge following tooth extraction. Traditional materials used for this purpose, such as unresorbable bovine xenograft, present various drawbacks, including potential complications and limitations in biological interaction. This study explores the potential of natural materials for bone tissue engineering, specifically chitosan extracted from shrimp skin waste, alginate, and fucoidan from Sargassum species.

Methods: These materials were processed into a scaffold using the freeze-dryer method. The physical characteristics of the scaffolds were evaluated through Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and porosity tests. Biocompatibility was assessed using the haemolysis method, with scaffolds prepared at various chitosan-alginate-fucoidan ratios.

Results: The scaffold with a chitosan-alginate-fucoidan ratio of 1.00:3.00:0.10 demonstrated significantly lower haemolysis rates and exhibited the largest pore diameter, facilitating cellular activity and nutrient exchange essential for new bone growth. This ratio also achieved the highest total porosity at a mean of 86.86 ± 0.9%.

Conclusions: Utilizing natural materials in scaffold construction for bone preservation offers a promising alternative to traditional grafting methods, potentially enhancing biocompatibility and promoting effective bone regeneration in dental applications.