Magnesium Substituted Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles‐Loaded Polyvinyl Alcohol/Starch Scaffold for Bone Regeneration: Effects of Magnesium on Scaffold Structure and Properties

Abstract

Natural bone contains various impurities such as magnesium, zinc, and strontium, which play a crucial role in bone remodeling. However, studies investigating the incorporation of these elements into polymeric scaffolds to mimic the natural bone formation process remain limited. In this study, magnesium‐substituted hydroxyapatite (Mg‐HA) nanoparticles are synthesized and incorporated into a polyvinyl alcohol/starch (PVA/ST) polymeric matrix to fabricate three‐dimensional Mg‐containing composite scaffolds. The effects of Mg incorporation on scaffold composite structure, properties, and potential application in bone regeneration are then investigated. The synthesized Mg‐HA powders are characterized in terms of Mg content by SEM‐EDS, phase composition by XRD, and particle size by FE‐SEM. The fabricated composite scaffolds are evaluated for pore size and architecture using SEM, whereas phase and elemental composition are analyzed by XRD and SEM‐EDS. In addition, compressive strength and open porosity are also determined. Biocompatibility of scaffolds is assessed by evaluating biomineralization, biodegradation in SBF solution, L929 cells‐materials interaction using XRD, TGA, scaffold mass loss, and SEM‐EDS. The results confirmed the successful synthesis of Mg‐substituted HA nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 40 to 120 nm and their subsequent incorporation into the PVA/ST matrix for the fabrication of three‐dimensional composite scaffolds. Moreover, the incorporation of Mg‐HA particles into PVA/ST scaffolds enhanced their biomineralization capability in SBF solution and promoted L929 cell adhesion and spreading.