ABSTRACT Bone defects, arising from trauma, infections, or congenital anomalies, pose significant challenges in orthopedics. This study presents the development and evaluation of a composite scaffold composed of chitosan (CS), silk fibroin, and carbonated hydroxyapatite, further enhanced with growth factors (GF), for bone tissue engineering applications. Chitosan offers biocompatibility and biodegradability, silk provides mechanical strength and cellular interaction, whereas carbonated hydroxyapatite mimics bone mineral content. The scaffolds Chitosan, Chitosan, Silk, Carbonated Hydroxyapatite (CSH) and Chitosan, Silk, Carbonated Hydroxyapatite (CSH) with GF (CS, CSH, CSH + GF) were fabricated using freeze‐drying techniques and characterized through porosity, swelling, compressive and tensile strength tests, FTIR, DSC, XRD, SEM–EDX, and biodegradation studies. Results showed that CSH + GF scaffolds demonstrated increased porosity, enhanced swelling capacity, and improved angiogenic potential, along with favorable mechanical properties and structural stability. SEM–EDX analysis confirmed the presence of essential elements for bone regeneration. Cytotoxicity assays and SEM‐based cell proliferation studies revealed superior biocompatibility and cell growth in CSH + GF scaffolds. The biodegradation rate of CSH + GF was slower, indicating extended structural support. Angiogenesis assays also suggest significant blood vessel formation in CSH + GF, affirming its regenerative potential. This composite scaffold offers a biomimetic platform for enhanced osteo‐conduction, cell proliferation, and vascularization. The integration of growth factors further augments regenerative outcomes, presenting a promising alternative to traditional bone grafts. This study highlights the potential of CSH + GF scaffolds in advancing bone tissue engineering and improving clinical management of bone defects.
Patil et al. (Sun,) studied this question.