Transformation of Cattle Manures to Bio-Active Scaffolds for Healthcare Application

Synthetic scaffolds are widely used for major bone fractures; however, they suffer from drawbacks such as poor biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and morphological structure, as well as limited cell signaling capabilities compared to natural scaffolds. Among the commonly used synthetic scaffolds in tissue engineering are poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), polyurethane, and poly-lactic acid (PLA). Natural scaffolds offer several advantages over synthetic counterparts. Natural scaffolds, such as those derived from cow dung ash (CDA), possess properties similar to human bone, including significant mineral content such as phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. In this study, various proportions of CDA were combined with PLA to fabricate specimens. These specimens were subjected to multiple tests including FT-IR analysis, FE-SEM imaging, and mechanical testing. The incorporation of CDA enhances the biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and morphological properties of the scaffolds. Furthermore, the mineral composition of CDA mimics that of human bone, facilitating enhanced tissue integration and regeneration. Comparative analysis with synthetic scaffolds underscores the potential of CDA-based scaffolds as viable alternatives, offering improved performance and biocompatibility. This study contributes to the advancement of natural scaffold materials for bone tissue engineering applications, with implications for enhancing patient outcomes and reducing reliance on synthetic materials.