In this study, dexamethasone-loaded gelatin–starch scaffolds were fabricated by the freeze-drying technique under different cooling temperatures and polymeric compositions. The constructs were modified via [3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-propyl]-trimethoxysilane coupling agent in order to produce a bioactive network structure for bone tissue engineering applications. Herein, the synergistic effect of [3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-propyl]-trimethoxysilane and dexamethasone was examined on the bioactivity and osteogenic behavior of scaffolds. Based on scanning electron microscopy micrographs, more fine pores were formed at higher freezing temperatures. The prepared microstructure at a rapid freezing rate resulted in diminished mechanical properties and a greater level of swelling and durability compared with a slow freezing rate. According to the acquired results, the mechanical strength decreased, while both absorption capacity and mass loss rate increased as a function of starch addition. Furthermore, the enhancement of hydrophilicity and reduction of mechanical stability enhanced the dexamethasone release levels. In addition, the synthesized constructs confirmed the positive effect of [3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-propyl]-trimethoxysilane and dexamethasone on biomimetic mineralization of the scaffolds. Supporting the cellular adhesion and proliferation alongside the expression of alkaline phosphatase, especially in the presence of dexamethasone, was the other advantage of synthetic scaffolds as a bone reconstructive substitute. Accordingly, drug-loaded hybrid constructs seem to be promising for further preclinical and clinical investigations in bone tissue engineering.

中文翻译：

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[3-(2,3-环氧丙氧基)-丙基]-三甲氧基硅烷偶联剂对负载地塞米松的聚合物支架进行有效功能化，用于骨再生：合成、表征和体外评价

在这项研究中，在不同的冷却温度和聚合物成分下，通过冷冻干燥技术制造了负载地塞米松的明胶 - 淀粉支架。通过[3-(2,3-环氧丙氧基)-丙基]-三甲氧基硅烷偶联剂对构建体进行修饰，以产生用于骨组织工程应用的生物活性网络结构。在此，研究了[3-(2,3-环氧丙氧基)-丙基]-三甲氧基硅烷和地塞米松对支架的生物活性和成骨行为的协同作用。根据扫描电子显微镜显微照片，在较高的冷冻温度下会形成更多的细孔。与缓慢冷冻速度相比，在快速冷冻速度下制备的微观结构导致机械性能降低，溶胀和耐久性水平更高。根据获得的结果，机械强度降低，而吸收能力和质量损失率均随淀粉添加而增加。此外，亲水性的增强和机械稳定性的降低提高了地塞米松的释放水平。此外，合成的结构证实了[3-(2,3-环氧丙氧基)-丙基]-三甲氧基硅烷和地塞米松对支架仿生矿化的积极影响。支持细胞粘附和增殖以及碱性磷酸酶的表达，尤其是在地塞米松存在的情况下，是合成支架作为骨重建替代品的另一个优势。因此，载药混合结构似乎有望用于骨组织工程的进一步临床前和临床研究。而吸收能力和质量损失率都随着淀粉添加而增加。此外，亲水性的增强和机械稳定性的降低提高了地塞米松的释放水平。此外，合成的结构证实了[3-(2,3-环氧丙氧基)-丙基]-三甲氧基硅烷和地塞米松对支架仿生矿化的积极影响。支持细胞粘附和增殖以及碱性磷酸酶的表达，尤其是在地塞米松存在的情况下，是合成支架作为骨重建替代品的另一个优势。因此，载药混合结构似乎有望用于骨组织工程的进一步临床前和临床研究。而吸收能力和质量损失率都随着淀粉添加而增加。此外，亲水性的增强和机械稳定性的降低提高了地塞米松的释放水平。此外，合成的结构证实了[3-(2,3-环氧丙氧基)-丙基]-三甲氧基硅烷和地塞米松对支架仿生矿化的积极影响。支持细胞粘附和增殖以及碱性磷酸酶的表达，尤其是在地塞米松存在的情况下，是合成支架作为骨重建替代品的另一个优势。因此，载药混合结构似乎有望用于骨组织工程的进一步临床前和临床研究。