INNOVATIVE BIOINSPIRED SIC CERAMICS FROM VEGETABLE RESOURCES - Intelligent Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine - page 64

Figure 2.8. SEM images, at different magnifications, of MC3T3-E1 evalua-
tion at 28 days on sapelli-based SiC ceramics.
modulate the expression of phenotypic markers and influence the
way cells respond to regulatory factors. In fact, it has been shown
that osteoblasts attach, spread, and proliferate more rapidly on
smooth surfaces than on rough surfaces, while their differentia-
tion is enhanced by rough morphologies. 23 , 24 It is also important
to note that pores and pockets that resemble pores have an effect
beyond that produced by growth factors and other signaling mole-
cules.Theprotectivespaceinexcavationsorinsideporeswasessen-
tial in several works to stimulate differentiation of precursors to
osteoblasts. 25 − 27 The excellent differentiation levels of MC3T3-E1
on sapelli-based SiC ceramics could be explained by the existence
of a vascular system remaining from the original wood, which has a
microstructurewithshelteringspacesfavoringthemineralizationof
cells.
The bioinspired ceramics offers a great performance as a bio-
material, and the result is even better if we take into account
that it has not been covered by a bioactive coating, where the
initial periods for mineralization usually begin at 14-15 days of
incubation. 23 , 28 , 29 However, deeper analysis of the calcium deposi-
tion nodules is required to prove the crystallinity of the calcium
phosphate compounds formed.
2.4 Conclusions and Outlook
This chapter introduces the development of an innovative porous
ceramic scaffold for bone tissue regeneration based on bioinspired