# Engineering a Bioactive PMMA–Silica Hybrid Scaffold for Enhanced Bone Regeneration

## TL;DR

A new PMMA-silica hybrid scaffold was developed to improve bone regeneration by enhancing bioactivity and cell integration.

## Contribution

The novel hybrid scaffold combines PMMA with silica to improve bioactivity and osseointegration for bone tissue engineering.

## Key findings

- The PMMA-silica scaffold supported enhanced cell proliferation and adhesion in vitro.
- In vivo tests in SD rats showed effective bone regeneration over 12 weeks.
- The hybrid material offers improved mechanical and biological performance for bone repair.

## Abstract

Bone health is crucial
for maintaining mobility, structural integrity,
and overall well-being. However, bone-related surgeries are the second
most common type of tissue transplant worldwide. A reliable and bioactive
material is needed to address these issues. This has led to growing
interest in bone tissue engineering (BTE) as a viable substitute strategy.
Poly­(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a commonly utilized material in
implant fixation and bone tissue applications due to its mechanical
and chemical stability and ease of processing. However, its low bioactivity
and poor osseointegration limit its effectiveness in bone repair,
posing a significant technical challenge. In this study, we developed
a PMMA–silica hybrid scaffold using tetraethyl orthosilicate
(TEOS) as a silica source and 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS)
as a coupling agent. By incorporating silica, we aimed to enhance
the bioactivity of PMMA, improve cell adhesion, and foster better
integration with bone tissue. The effectiveness of the scaffold was
assessed through in vitro tests for cell proliferation,
adhesion, and differentiation, as well as through in vivo bone regeneration in a calvarial defect model using Sprague-Dawley
(SD) rats over 12 weeks. The results demonstrated that the PMMA–silica
hybrid scaffold effectively supports bone healing, highlighting its
potential as a promising candidate for advanced bone regeneration
therapies, combining mechanical strength with enhanced biological
performance.