Sugarcane bagasse cellulose-based scaffolds incorporated hydroxyapatite for promoting proliferation, adhesion and differentiation of osteoblasts

Biocomposite cellulose-based scaffolds derived from sugarcane bagasse (SCB) were integrated with hydroxyapatite (HA) to enhance the proliferation, attachment and differentiation of preosteoblast cells for tissue engineering. Sugar extraction produces a lot of SCB with approximately 40% cellulose content. Cellulose fibers were successfully achieved from SCB using steam explosion and bleaching and then dissolved by 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BmimCl) followed by the addition of HA. Complete homogenous dissolution of cellulose in BmimCl was achieved at 7 h. Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed the appropriate porosities of the scaffolds for cellular activities. The prepared scaffolds exhibited a low degradation rate. The cytotoxicity of all scaffolds prepared showed no adverse toxicity to the osteoblast cells, which was higher than 70% in all scaffold types. The MTS tetrazolium assay, live/dead cell staining and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity results indicated that cellulose combined HA scaffolds supported bone cell proliferation and differentiation. Cell morphology revealed increasing HA concentration in the scaffolds, with enhanced growth and adhesion of osteoblast cells. Results suggested that regenerated cellulose from SCB is an ideal material in bone scaffolding applications.