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

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 <i>in vitro</i> tests for cell proliferation, adhesion, and differentiation, as well as through <i>in vivo</i> 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.