In the present study, composite scaffolds made with different weight ratios (0.5:1, 1:1 and 2:1) of bioactive glass
(15Ca:80Si:5P) (BG)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (PVABG) and chitosan (Chi)/collagen (Col) (ChiCol) were prepared
by three mechanical freeze–thawfollowed by freeze-drying to obtain the porous scaffolds. The mechanical properties
and the in vitro biocompatibility of the composite scaffolds to simulated body fluid (SBF) and to rat
osteoblast-like UMR-106 cells were investigated. The results from the studies indicated that the porosity and
compressive strength were controlled by the weight ratio of PVABG:ChiCol. The highest compressive modulus
of the composites made was 214.64 MPa which was for the 1:1 weight ratio PVABG:ChiCol. Mineralization
study in SBF showed the formation of apatite crystals on the PVABG:ChiCol surface after 7 days of incubation.
In vitro cell availability and proliferation tests confirmed the osteoblast attachment and growth on the PVABG:
ChiCol surface. MTT and ALP tests on the 1:1 weight ratio PVABG:ChiCol composite indicated that the UMR-
106 cells were viable. Alkaline phosphatase activity was found to increase with increasing culturing time. In addition,
we showed the potential of PVABG:ChiCol drug delivery through PBS solution studies. 81.14% of BSA loading
had been achieved and controlled release for over four weeks was observed. Our results indicated that the
PVABG:ChiCol composites, especially the 1:1 weight ratio composite exhibited significantly improved mechanical,
mineral deposition, biological properties and controlled release. This made them potential candidates for
bone tissue engineering applications