Sol–gel-derived mineral scaffolds within SiO2–P2O5–CaO–MgO–ZnO–CaF2 system

Ceramic scaffolds were prepared starting from a sol–gel powder, which was mixed with glucose as a pore-generating substance and subsequently thermally treated at different temperatures and for different periods in order to ensure the formation of a resistance structure. The final materials were characterized in terms of structure, morphology, and biological properties by employing X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, immersion in simulated body fluid, and specific cellular tests on mesenchymal stem cells (optical microscopy, MTT, and GSH assays). The results showed the occurrence of akermanite as the main crystalline phase in all scaffolds. The porosity and compression strength of these 3D architectures can be adjusted through the thermal treatment parameters. Moreover, the biological evaluation indicated an excellent bioactivity and a good biocompatibility at short term for all samples.