Abstract:

Whitlockite (WH), a calcium phosphate mineral, has emerged as a promising material in bone tissue engineering due to its excellent biocompatibility and osteogenic potential. This study aimed to biologically characterize an alginate-whitlockite (Wh-Al) composite scaffold to evaluate its potential in promoting bone regeneration. The scaffold was synthesized using an ultrafast hydrothermal method to produce WH nanoparticles, which were subsequently incorporated into an alginate matrix. The scaffold was extensively characterized to assess its morphology and composition. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a porous microstructure favorable for cell attachment and proliferation, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the successful integration of WH nanoparticles into the alginate matrix. Biological evaluation was conducted using the MTT assay with human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells under ISO 10993-6:2016 standards. The results demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, with cell viability exceeding 90% across all tested conditions, indicating a high potential for osteogenesis. These findings underscore the ability of the alginate-whitlockite composite scaffold to support cellular activity and promote bone tissue regeneration. The porous structure and bioactive composition of the scaffold make it a suitable candidate for bone tissue engineering applications. Further in vivo studies are recommended to investigate the scaffold’s osteoinductive properties and its clinical efficacy in repairing bone defects, ultimately advancing the development of regenerative therapies for orthopedic and dental applications.

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