Functionalisation of PLLA nanofiber scaffolds using a possible cooperative effect between collagen type I and BMP-2: impact on growth and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

Direct incorporation of mesenchymal stem cells into a Nanofiber scaffold - in vitro and in vivo analysis

Bony defects are a common problem in musculoskeletal surgery. Replacement with autologous bone grafts is limited by availability of transplant material. Sterilized cancellous bone, while being osteoconductive, has limited osteoinductivity. Nanofiber scaffolds are currently used for several purposes due to their capability of imitating the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, they allow modification to provide functional properties. Previously we showed that electrospun nanofiber scaffolds can be used for bone tissue regeneration. While aiming to use the osteoinductive capacities of collagen type-I nanofibers we saw reduced scaffold pore sizes that limited cellular migration and thus colonization of the scaffolds. Aim of the present study was the incorporation of mesenchymal stem cells into the electrospinning process of a nanofiber scaffold to produce cell-seeded nanofiber scaffolds for bone replacement. After construction of a suitable spinning apparatus for simultaneous electrospinning and spraying with independently controllable spinning and spraying devices and extensive optimization of the spinning process, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the resulting scaffolds was conducted. Stem cells isolated from rat femora were incorporated into PLLA (poly-l-lactide acid) and PLLA-collagen type-I nanofiber scaffolds (PLLA Col I Blend) via simultaneous electrospinning and -spraying. Metabolic activity, proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation were assessed in vitro. For in vivo evaluation scaffolds were implanted into critical size defects of the rat scull. After 4 weeks, animals were sacrificed and bone healing was analyzed using CT-scans, histological, immunhistochemical and fluorescence evaluation. Successful integration of mesenchymal stem cells into the scaffolds was achieved by iteration of spinning and spraying conditions regarding polymer solvent, spinning distance, the use of a liquid counter-electrode, electrode voltage and spinning duration. In vivo formation of bone tissue was achieved. Using a PLLA scaffold, comparable results for the cell-free and cell-seeded scaffolds were found, while the cell-seeded PLLA-collagen scaffolds showed significantly better bone formation when compared to the cell-free PLLA-collagen scaffolds. These results provide support for the future use of cell-seeded nanofiber scaffolds for large bony defects.

Osteogenic differentiation of preconditioned bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with lipopolysaccharide on modified poly-l-lactic-acid nanofibers

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary expertise that involves the use of nanoscaffolds for repairing, modifying, and removing tissue defects and formation of new tissues. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into a variety of cell types, and they are attractive candidates for tissue engineering. In the current study, the electrospinning process was used for nanofiber preparation, based on a poly-l-lactic-acid (PLLA) polymer. The surface was treated with O ₂ plasma to enhance hydrophilicity, cell attachment, growth, and differentiation potential. The nanoscaffolds were preconditioned with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to enhance induction of differentiation. The nanoscaffolds were categorized by contact angle measurements and scanning electron microscopy. The MTT assay was used to analyze the rate of growth and proliferation of cells. Osteogenic differentiation of cultured MSCs was evaluated on nanofibers using common osteogenic markers, such as alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium mineral deposition, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunocytochemical analysis. Based on the in vitro results, primed MSCs with LPS on the PLLA nanoscaffold significantly enhanced the proliferation and osteogenesis of MSCs. Also, the combination of LPS and electrospun nanofibers can provide a new and suitable matrix to support stem cells' differentiation for bone tissue engineering.

Influence of the nanofiber chemistry and orientation of biodegradable poly(butylene succinate)-based scaffolds on osteoblast differentiation for bone tissue regeneration

Innovative nanofibrous scaffolds have attracted considerable attention in bone tissue engineering, due to their ability to mimic the hierarchical architecture of an extracellular matrix. Aiming at investigating how the polymer chemistry and fiber orientation of electrospun scaffolds (ES) based on poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(butylene succinate/diglycolate) (P(BS80BDG20)) affect human osteoblast differentiation, uniaxially aligned (a-) and randomly (r-) distributed nanofibers were produced. Although human osteoblastic SAOS-2 cells were shown to be viable and adherent onto all ES materials, a-P(BS80BDG20) exhibited the best performance both in terms of cellular phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase expression and in terms of alkaline phosphatase activity, calcified bone matrix deposition and quantitative gene expression of bone specific markers during differentiation. It has been hypothesized that the presence of ether linkages may lead to an increased density of hydrogen bond acceptors along the P(BS80BDG20) backbone, which, by interacting with cell membrane components, can in turn promote a better cell attachment on the copolymer mats with respect to the PBS homopolymer. Furthermore, although displaying the same chemical structure, r-P(BS80BDG20) scaffolds showed a reduced cell attachment and osteogenic differentiation in comparison with a-P(BS80BDG20), evidencing the importance of nanofiber alignment. Thus, the coupled action of polymer chemical structure and nanofiber alignment played a significant role in promoting the biological interaction.

Micro and nanotechnologies for bone regeneration: Recent advances and emerging designs

Treatment of critical-size bone defects is a major medical challenge since neither the bone tissue can regenerate nor current regenerative approaches are effective. Emerging progresses in the field of nanotechnology have resulted in the development of new materials, scaffolds and drug delivery strategies to improve or restore the damaged tissues. The current article reviews promising nanomaterials and emerging micro/nano fabrication techniques for targeted delivery of biomolecules for bone tissue regeneration. In addition, recent advances in fabrication of bone graft substitutes with similar properties to normal tissue along with a brief summary of current commercialized bone grafts have been discussed.

Effects of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release from polylactide-poly (ethylene glycol)-polylactide (PELA) microcapsule-based scaffolds on bone

Multiple growth factors can be administered to mimic the natural process of bone healing in bone tissue engineering. We investigated the effects of sequential release of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from polylactide-poly (ethylene glycol)-polylactide (PELA) microcapsule-based scaffolds on bone regeneration. To improve the double emulsion/solvent evaporation technique, VEGF was encapsulated in PELA microcapsules, to which BMP-2 was attached. The scaffold (BMP-2/PELA/VEGF) was then fused to these microcapsules using the dichloromethane vapor method. The bioactivity of the released BMP-2 and VEGF was then quantified in rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs). Immunoblotting analysis showed that BMP-2/PELA/VEG promoted the differentiation of rMSCs into osteoblasts via the MAPK and Wnt pathways. Osteoblast differentiation was assessed through alkaline phosphatase expression. When compared with simple BMP-2 plus VEGF group and pure PELA group, osteoblast differentiation in BMP-2/PELA/VEGF group significantly increased. An MTT assay indicated that BMP-2-loaded PELA scaffolds had no adverse effects on cell activity. BMP-2/PELA/VEG promoted the differentiation of rMSCs into osteoblast via the ERK1/2 and Wnt pathways. Our findings indicate that the sequential release of BMP-2 and VEGF from PELA microcapsule-based scaffolds is a promising approach for the treatment of bone defects.

Lamination of microfibrous PLGA fabric by electrospinning a layer of collagen-hydroxyapatite composite nanofibers for bone tissue engineering

BACKGROUND

To mimic the muscle inspired cells adhesion through proteins secretion, the lamination of collagen-hydroxyapatite nanorod (nHA) composite nanofibers has been carried out successfully on polydopamine (PDA)-coated microfibrous polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) fabrics. The lamination of collagen-hydroxyapatite composite nanofibers on polydopamine-coated microfibrous PLGA fabrics was carried through electrospinning the solution of collagen containing L-glutamic acid-grafted hydroxyapatite nanorods (nHA-GA) at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/h and an applied voltage of 15 kV.

RESULTS

In comparison to pristine PLGA, dopamine-coated PLGA and collagen-hydroxyapatite composite nanofiber lamination has produced more wettable surfaces and surface wettability is found to higher with dopamine-coated PLGA fabrics then pristine PLGA. The SEM micrographs have clearly indicated that the lamination of polydopamine-coated PLGA fabric with collagen-hydroxyapatite composite nanofibers has shown increased adhesion of MC3T3E1 cells in comparison to pristine PLGA fabrics.

CONCLUSION

The results of these studies have clearly demonstrated that collagen-nHA composites fibers may be used to create bioactive 3D scaffolds using PLGA as an architectural support agent.

Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells cultured on PLLA scaffold coated with Wharton's Jelly

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) electrospun nanofiber scaffold is one of the most commonly used synthetic polymer scaffolds for bone tissue engineering application. However, PLLA is hydrophobic in nature, hence does not maintain proper cell adhesion and tissue formation, moreover, it cannot provide the osteo-inductive environment due to inappropriate surface characteristic and the lack of surface motives participating in the first cellular events. To modify these shortcomings different approaches have been used, among those the most commonly used one is coating of the surface of the electrospun nanofiber with natural materials. In this work Wharton's jelly (WJ), a tissue which surrounds the umbilical cord vessels, reaches in high amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM) components mainly; collagen, hyaluronic acid and several sulphated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were used to cover the surface of electrospun PLLA nanofiber scaffolds. The surface morphology of the nanofiber scaffold was evaluated via scanning electron microscope, and the in vitro osteogenic differentiation potential was determined by MTT assay and common osteogenic marker tests such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium deposition tests. Coating of WJ could not change the surface morphology and diameter of the nanofibers. However, WJ-PLLA scaffolds showed higher proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) than tissue culture plate (TCP) and pristine PLLA scaffolds, moreover, WJ-PPLA scaffold demonstrated significant alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium mineralization than either TCP or PLLA nanofiber scaffolds.

Micro/Nano Multilayered Scaffolds of PLGA and Collagen by Alternately Electrospinning for Bone Tissue Engineering

The dual extrusion electrospinning technique was used to fabricate multilayered 3D scaffolds by stacking microfibrous meshes of poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) in alternate fashion to micro/nano mixed fibrous meshes of PLGA and collagen. To fabricate the multilayered scaffold, 35 wt% solution of PLGA in THF-DMF binary solvent (3:1) and 5 wt% solution of collagen in hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) with and without hydroxyapatite nanorods (nHA) were used. The dual and individual electrospinning of PLGA and collagen were carried out at flow rates of 1.0 and 0.5 mL/h, respectively, at an applied voltage of 20 kV. The density of collagen fibers in multilayered scaffolds has controlled the adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. The homogeneous dispersion of glutamic acid-modified hydroxyapatite nanorods (nHA-GA) in collagen solution has improved the osteogenic properties of fabricated multilayered scaffolds. The fabricated multilayered scaffolds were characterized using FT-IR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was used to evaluate the adhesion and spreads of MC3T3-E1 cells on multilayered scaffolds. The activity of MC3T3-E1 cells on the multilayered scaffolds was evaluated by applying MTT, alkaline phosphatase, Alizarin Red, von Kossa, and cytoskeleton F-actin assaying protocols. The micro/nano fibrous PLGA-Col-HA scaffolds were found to be highly bioactive in comparison to pristine microfibrous PLGA and micro/nano mixed fibrous PLGA and Col scaffolds.

Focal adhesion kinase regulation in stem cell alignment and spreading on nanofibers

While electrospun nanofibers have demonstrated the potential for novel tissue engineering scaffolds, very little is known about the molecular mechanism of how cells sense and adapt to nanofibers. Here, we revealed the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), one of the key molecular sensors in the focal adhesion complex, in regulating mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) shaping on nanofibers. We produced uniaxially aligned and randomly distributed nanofibers from poly(l-lactic acid) to have the same diameters (about 130 nm) and evaluated MSC behavior on these nanofibers comparing with that on flat PLLA control. C3H10T1/2 murine MSCs exhibited upregulations in FAK expression and phosphorylation (pY397) on nanofibrous cultures as assessed by immunoblotting, and this trend was even greater on aligned nanofibers. MSCs showed significantly elongated and well-spread morphologies on aligned and random nanofibers, respectively. In the presence of FAK silencing via small hairpin RNA (shRNA), cell elongation length in the aligned nanofiber direction (cell major axis length) was significantly decreased, while cells still showed preferred orientation along the aligned nanofibers. On random nanofibers, MSCs with FAK-shRNA showed impaired cell spreading resulting in smaller cell area and higher circularity. Our study provides new data on how MSCs shape their morphologies on aligned and random nanofibrous cultures potentially via FAK-mediated mechanism.

MWCNTs enhance hBMSCs spreading but delay their proliferation in the direction of differentiation acceleration

Investigating the ability of films of pristine multiwalled nanotubes (MWCNTs) to influence human mesenchymal stem cells' proliferation, morphology, and differentiation into osteoblasts, we concluded to the following: A. MWCNTs delay the proliferation of hBMS cells but increase their differentiation. The enhancement of the differentiation markers could be a result of decreased proliferation and maturation of the extracellular matrix B. Cell spread on MWCNTs toward a polygonal shape with many thin filopodia to attach to the surfaces. Spreading may be critical in supporting osteogenic differentiation in pre-osteoblastic progenitors, being related with cytoskeletal tension. C. hBMS cells prefer MWCNTs than tissue plastic to attach and grow, being non-toxic to these cells. MWCNTs can be regarded as osteoinductive biomaterial topographies for bone regenerative engineering.

MWCNTs enhance hBMSCs spreading but delay their proliferation in the direction of differentiation acceleration

Investigating the ability of films of pristine multiwalled nanotubes (MWCNTs) to influence human mesenchymal stem cells' proliferation, morphology, and differentiation into osteoblasts, we concluded to the following: A. MWCNTs delay the proliferation of hBMS cells but increase their differentiation. The enhancement of the differentiation markers could be a result of decreased proliferation and maturation of the extracellular matrix B. Cell spread on MWCNTs toward a polygonal shape with many thin filopodia to attach to the surfaces. Spreading may be critical in supporting osteogenic differentiation in pre-osteoblastic progenitors, being related with cytoskeletal tension. C. hBMS cells prefer MWCNTs than tissue plastic to attach and grow, being non-toxic to these cells. MWCNTs can be regarded as osteoinductive biomaterial topographies for bone regenerative engineering.

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes enhance human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells' spreading but delay their proliferation in the direction of differentiation acceleration

Investigating the ability of films of pristine (purified, without any functionalization) multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to influence human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells' (hBMSCs) proliferation, morphology, and differentiation into osteoblasts, we concluded to the following: A. MWCNTs delay the proliferation of hBMSCs but increase their differentiation. The enhancement of the differentiation markers could be a result of decreased proliferation and maturation of the extracellular matrix B. Cell spread on MWCNTs toward a polygonal shape with many thin filopodia to attach to the surfaces. Spreading may be critical in supporting osteogenic differentiation in pre-osteoblastic progenitors, being related with cytoskeletal tension. C. hBMSCs prefer MWCNTs than tissue plastic to attach and grow, being non-toxic to these cells. MWCNTs can be regarded as osteoinductive biomaterial topographies for bone regenerative engineering.

The effect of calcium phosphate composite scaffolds on the osteogenic differentiation of rabbit dental pulp stem cells

The objective of this study is to compare the effects of the two calcium phosphate composite scaffolds on the attachment, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of rabbit dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). One nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen/poly (l-lactide) (nHAC/PLA), imitating the composition and the micro-structure characteristics of the natural bone, was made by Beijing Allgens Medical Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (China). The other beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), being fully interoperability globular pore structure, was provided by Shanghai Bio-lu Biomaterials Co, Ltd. (China). We compared the absorption water rate and the protein adsorption rate of two scaffolds and the characterization of DPSCs cultured on the culture plate and both scaffolds under osteogenic differentiation media (ODM) treatment. The constructs were then implanted subcutaneously into the back of severely combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice for 8 and 12 weeks to compare their bone formation capacity. The results showed that the ODM-treated DPSCs expressed osteocalcin (OCN), bone sialoprotein (BSP), type I collagen (COLI) and osteopontin (OPN) by immunofluorescence staining. Positive alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, calcium deposition and calcium nodules were also observed on the ODM-treated DPSCs. The absorption water rate and protein adsorption rate of nHAC/PLA was significantly higher than β-TCP. The initial attachment of DPSCs seeded onto nHAC/PLA was significantly higher than that onto β-TCP; and the proliferation rate of the cells was also significantly higher than that of β-TCP on 1, 3, and 7 days of cell culture. The ALP activity, calcium/phosphorus content and mineral formation of DPSCs + β-TCP were significantly higher than DPSCs + nHAC/LA. When implanted into the back of SCID mice, nHAC/PLA alone had no new bone formation, newly formed mature bone and osteoid were only observed in β-TCP alone, DPSCs + nHAC/PLA and DPSCs + β-TCP, and this three groups displayed increased bone formation over the 12-week period. The percentage of total bone formation area had no difference between DPSCs + β-TCP and DPSCs + nHAC/PLA at each time point, but the percentage of mature bone formation area of DPSCs + β-TCP was significantly higher than that of DPSCs + nHAC/PLA. Our results demonstrated that the DPSCs on nHAC/PLA had a better proliferation, and that the DPSCs on β-TCP had a more mineralization in vitro, much more newly formed mature bones in vivo were presented in DPSCs + β-TCP group. These findings have provided a further knowledge that scaffold architecture has different influence on the attachment, proliferation and differentiation of cells. This study may provide insight into the clinical periodontal bone tissue repair with DPSCs + β-TCP construct.

Rational design of nanofiber scaffolds for orthopedic tissue repair and regeneration

This article reviews recent significant advances in the design of nanofiber scaffolds for orthopedic tissue repair and regeneration. It begins with a brief introduction on the limitations of current approaches for orthopedic tissue repair and regeneration. It then illustrates that rationally designed scaffolds made up of electrospun nanofibers could be a promising solution to overcome the problems that current approaches encounter. The article also discusses the intriguing properties of electrospun nanofibers, including control of composition, structures, orders, alignments and mechanical properties, use as carriers for topical drug and/or gene sustained delivery, and serving as substrates for the regulation of cell behaviors, which could benefit musculoskeletal tissue repair and regeneration. It further highlights a few of the many recent applications of electrospun nanofiber scaffolds in repairing and regenerating various orthopedic tissues. Finally, the article concludes with perspectives on the challenges and future directions for better design, fabrication and utilization of nanofiber scaffolds for orthopedic tissue engineering.

The effect of five proteins on stem cells used for osteoblast differentiation and proliferation: a current review of the literature

Bone-tissue engineering is a therapeutic target in the field of dental implant and orthopedic surgery. It is therefore essential to find a microenvironment that enhances the growth and differentiation of osteoblasts both from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and those derived from dental pulp. The aim of this review is to determine the relationship among the proteins fibronectin (FN), osteopontin (OPN), tenascin (TN), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP2) and their ability to coat different types of biomaterials and surfaces to enhance osteoblast differentiation. Pre-treatment of biomaterials with FN during the initial phase of osteogenic differentiation on all types of surfaces, including slotted titanium and polymers, provides an ideal microenvironment that enhances adhesion, morphology, and proliferation of pluripotent and multipotent cells. Likewise, in the second stage of differentiation, surface coating with BMP2 decreases the diameter and the pore size of the scaffold, causing better adhesion and reduced proliferation of BMP-MSCs. Coating oligomerization surfaces with OPN and BSP promotes cell adhesion, but it is clear that the polymeric coating material BSP alone is insufficient to induce priming of MSCs and functional osteoblastic differentiation in vivo. Finally, TN is involved in mineralization and can accelerate new bone formation in a multicellular environment but has no effect on the initial stage of osteogenesis.

Scaffold design for bone regeneration

The use of bone grafts is the standard to treat skeletal fractures, or to replace and regenerate lost bone, as demonstrated by the large number of bone graft procedures performed worldwide. The most common of these is the autograft, however, its use can lead to complications such as pain, infection, scarring, blood loss, and donor-site morbidity. The alternative is allografts, but they lack the osteoactive capacity of autografts and carry the risk of carrying infectious agents or immune rejection. Other approaches, such as the bone graft substitutes, have focused on improving the efficacy of bone grafts or other scaffolds by incorporating bone progenitor cells and growth factors to stimulate cells. An ideal bone graft or scaffold should be made of biomaterials that imitate the structure and properties of natural bone ECM, include osteoprogenitor cells and provide all the necessary environmental cues found in natural bone. However, creating living tissue constructs that are structurally, functionally and mechanically comparable to the natural bone has been a challenge so far. This focus of this review is on the evolution of these scaffolds as bone graft substitutes in the process of recreating the bone tissue microenvironment, including biochemical and biophysical cues.

Cellular function and adhesion mechanisms of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are considered to be excellent reinforcements for biorelated applications, but, before being incorporated into biomedical devices, their biocompatibility need to be investigated thoroughly. We investigated the ability of films of pristine MWCNTs to influence human mesenchymal stem cells' proliferation, morphology, and differentiation into osteoblasts. Moreover, the selective integrin subunit expression and the adhesion mechanism to the substrate were evaluated on the basis of adherent cell number and adhesion strength, following the treatment of cells with blocking antibodies to a series of integrin subunits. Results indicated that MWCNTs accelerated cell differentiation to a higher extent than tissue culture plastic, even in the absence of additional biochemical inducing agents. The pre-treatment with anti-integrin antibodies decreased number of adherent cells and adhesion strength at 4-60%, depending on integrin subunit. These findings suggest that pristine MWCNTs represent a suitable reinforcement for bone tissue engineering scaffolds.

Bone formation in rabbit cancellous bone explant culture model is enhanced by mechanical load

Background

When studying and designing an artificial bone in vitro with similar features and functionality of natural bone by tissue engineering technology, the culturing environment, especially the mechanical environment is supposed to be an important factor, because a suitable mechanical environment in vitro may improve the adaptability of the planted-in tissue engineering bone in the body. Unfortunately, up to now, the relationship between mechanical stimuli and natural bone growth has not yet been precisely determined, and it is so imperative for a prior study on effect of mechanical loading on growth of the natural bone cultured in vitro.

Methods

Under sterile conditions, explant models of rabbit cancellous bone with 3 mm in thickness and 8 mm in diameter were prepared and cultured in a dynamic loading and circulating perfusion bioreactor system. By Micro-CT scanning, a 3D model for finite element (FEM) analysis was achieved. According to the results of FEM analysis and physiological load bearing capacity of the natural bone, these models were firstly subjected to mechanical load with 1Hz frequency causing average apparent strain of 1000 μϵ, 2000 μϵ, 3000 μϵ and 4000 μϵ respectively for 30 min every day, activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) were detected on the 5^th and the 14^th loading day and on the 14^th and the 21^st day, mechanical properties, tissue mineral density (TMD) of the bone explant models were investigated and Von-kossa staining and fluorescence double labeling assays were conducted to evaluate whether there were fresh osteoid in the bone explant models. In addition, Western blot, Elisa and Real-time PCR were employed to analyze expression of Collagen-I (COL-1), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) protein and RNA.

Results

The explant models of rabbit cancellous bone prepared under sterile conditions grew well in the bioreactor system. With the increasing culturing time and load levels, bone explant models in groups with 1000 μϵ and 2000 μϵ average apparent strain experienced improving mechanical properties and TMD (P<0.05), and results of Von-kossa staining and fluorescence double labeling also showed apparent fresh osteoid formation. Under the same loading conditions, a up-regulations in protein and RNA of COL-1, BMP-2 and OPG were detected, especially, relative genes notably expressed after 21 days.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that mechanical load could improve function and activity of osteoblasts in explant models of cancellous bone. Through regulations of COL-1, OPG and BMP-2 secreted by osteoblasts, the mechanical load could improve the tissue structural density and stiffness due to formation of fresh osteoid.

Enhanced mechanical strength and biocompatibility of electrospun polycaprolactone-gelatin scaffold with surface deposited nano-hydroxyapatite

In this study for the first time, we compared physico-chemical and biological properties of polycaprolactone-gelatin-hydroxyapatite scaffolds of two types: one in which the nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) was deposited on the surface of electrospun polycaprolactone-gelatin (PCG) fibers via alternate soaking process (PCG-HAAS) and other in which hydroxyapatite (HA) powders were blended in electrospinning solution of PCG (PCG-HAB). The microstructure of fibers was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) which showed n-HA particles on the surface of the PCG-HAAS scaffold and embedded HA particles in the interior of the PCG-HAB fibers. PCG-HAAS fibers exhibited the better Young's moduli and tensile strength as compared to PCG-HAB fibers. Biological properties such as cell proliferation, cell attachment and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) were determined by growing human osteosarcoma cells (MG-63) over the scaffolds. Cell proliferation and confocal results clearly indicated that the presence of hydroxyapatite on the surface of the PCG-HAAS scaffold promoted better cellular adhesion and proliferation as compared to PCG-HAB scaffold. ALP activity was also observed better in alternate soaked PCG scaffold as compared to PCG-HAB scaffold. Mechanical strength and biological properties clearly demonstrate that surface deposited HA scaffold prepared by alternate soaking method may find application in bone tissue engineering.

Functionalisation of PLLA nanofiber scaffolds using a possible cooperative effect between collagen type I and BMP-2: impact on colonization and bone formation in vivo

The reconstruction of large bone defects after injury or tumor resection often requires the use of bone substitution. Artificial scaffolds based on synthetic biomaterials can overcome disadvantages of autologous bone grafts, like limited availability and donor side morbidity. Among them, scaffolds based on nanofibers offer great advantages. They mimic the extracellular matrix, can be used as a carrier for growth factors and allow the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. Differentiation is triggered by a series of signaling processes, including integrin and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), which act in a cooperative manner. The aim of this study was to analyze whether these processes can be remodeled in artificial poly-(l)-lactide acid (PLLA) based nanofiber scaffolds in vivo. Electrospun matrices composed of PLLA-collagen type I or BMP-2 incorporated PLLA-collagen type I were implanted in calvarial critical size defects in rats. Cranial CT-scans were taken 4, 8 and 12 weeks after implantation. Specimens obtained after euthanasia were processed for histology and immunostainings on osteocalcin, BMP-2 and Smad5. After implantation the scaffolds were inhomogeneously colonized and cells were only present in wrinkle- or channel-like structures. Ossification was detected only in focal areas of the scaffold. This was independent of whether BMP-2 was incorporated in the scaffold. However, cells that migrated into the scaffold showed an increased ratio of osteocalcin and Smad5 positive cells compared to empty defects. Furthermore, in case of BMP-2 incorporated PLLA-collagen type I scaffolds, 4 weeks after implantation approximately 40 % of the cells stained positive for BMP-2 indicating an autocrine process of the ingrown cells. These findings indicate that a cooperative effect between BMP-2 and collagen type I can be transferred to PLLA nanofibers and furthermore, that this effect is active in vivo. However, this had no effect on bone formation. The reason for this seems to be an unbalanced colonization of the scaffolds with cells, due to insufficient pore size.

Three-dimensional dynamic culture of pre-osteoblasts seeded in HA-CS/Col/nHAP composite scaffolds and treated with α-ZAL

Pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in hyaluronic acid-modified chitosan/collagen/nano-hydroxyapatite (HA-CS/Col/nHAP) composite scaffolds and treated with phytoestrogen α-zearalanol (α-ZAL) to improve bone tissue formation for bone tissue engineering. Perfusion and dynamic strain were applied to three-dimensional (3D) cultured cells, which simulates mechanical microenvironment in bone tissue and solves mass transfer issues. The morphology of cell-scaffold constructs in vitro was then examined and markers of osteogenesis were assessed by immunohistochemistry staining and western blotting. The results showed that cells expanded their pseudopodia in an irregular manner and dispersed along the walls in 3D-dynamic culture. Osteogenic phenotype was increased or maintained by enhanced collagen I (COLI) levels, decreased osteopontin expression and having little effect on osteocalcin expression during the 12 days of in vitro culture. In response to α-ZAL, the cell-scaffold constructs showed inhibited cellular proliferation, enhanced the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and increased ratio of osteoprotegerin to receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL). Application of perfusion and dynamic strain to cells-scaffold constructs treated with α-ZAL represents a promising approach in the studies of osteogenesis stimulation of bone tissue engineering.

Mineralization of nanohydroxyapatite on electrospun poly(l-lactic acid)/gelatin by an alternate soaking process: A biomimetic scaffold for bone regeneration

Biomimetic nanocomposite scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning poly(l-lactic acid) and a blend of poly(L-lactic acid)/gelatin to eliminate the use of collagen. The scaffolds were mineralized via alternate soaking in calcium and phosphate solutions, whereby 66.8% nanohydroxyapatite formation was successfully induced which is similar to that of native human bone (60%). The poly(L-lactic acid)/gelatin scaffolds had uniform nanohydroxyapatite formation throughout the scaffold. The mineralization enhanced the tensile modulus and tensile strength without increasing the brittleness. The in vitro biocompatibility of scaffolds was evaluated with murine adipose tissue–derived stem cells. The scaffolds with nanohydroxyapatite aided cell attachment and promoted cell–cell interaction. The mineralization and osteocalcin expression of the murine adipose tissue–derived stem cells were maximum in the poly(L-lactic acid)/gelatin/nanohydroxyapatite scaffold. Therefore, the gelatin and nanohydroxyapatite in poly(L-lactic acid)/gelatin/nanohydroxyapatite scaffolds provided cues for the differentiation of murine adipose tissue–derived stem cells. The biochemical nature of poly(L-lactic acid)/gelatin/nanohydroxyapatite scaffold accelerated osteogenic differentiation and could be a potential candidate for bone regeneration.

Physical properties and biocompatibility of a core-sheath structure composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering in vitro

Scaffolds play a critical role in the practical realization of bone tissue engineering. The purpose of this study was to assess whether a core-sheath structure composite scaffold possesses admirable physical properties and biocompatibility in vitro. A novel scaffold composed of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/β-tricalcium phosphate (PLGA/β-TCP) skeleton wrapped with Type I collagen via low-temperature deposition manufacturing (LDM) was prepared, and bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were used to evaluate cell behavior on the scaffold. PLGA/β-TCP skeleton was chosen as the control group. Physical properties were evaluated by pority ratio, compressive strength, and Young's modulus. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study morphology of cells. Hydrophilicity was evaluated by water absorption ratio. Cell proliferation was tested by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay (MTT). Osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs was evaluated by alkaline phosphates activity (ALP). The results indicated that physical properties of the novel scaffold were as good as those of the control group, hydrophilicity was observably better (P < 0.01) than that of control group, and abilities of proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs on novel scaffold were significantly greater (P < 0.05) than those of control group, which suggests that the novel scaffold possesses preferable characteristics and have high value in bone tissue engineering.

Porous collagen scaffold reinforced with surfaced activated PLLA nanoparticles

Porous collagen scaffold is integrated with surface activated PLLA nanoparticles fabricated by lyophilizing and crosslinking via EDC treatment. In order to prepare surface-modified PLLA nanoparticles, PLLA was firstly grafted with poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) through surface-initiated polymerization of acrylic acid. Nanoparticles of average diameter 316 nm and zeta potential −39.88 mV were obtained from the such-treated PLLA by dialysis method. Porous collagen scaffold were fabricated by mixing PLLA nanoparticles with collagen solution, freeze drying, and crosslinking with EDC. SEM observation revealed that nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed in collagen matrix, forming interconnected porous structure with pore size ranging from 150 to 200 μm, irrespective of the amount of nanoparticles. The porosity of the scaffolds kept almost unchanged with the increment of the nanoparticles, whereas the mechanical property was obviously improved, and the degradation was effectively retarded. In vitro L929 mouse fibroblast cells seeding and culture studies revealed that cells infiltrated into the scaffolds and were distributed homogeneously. Compared with the pure collagen sponge, the number of cells in hybrid scaffolds greatly increased with the increment of incorporated nanoparticles. These results manifested that the surface-activated PLLA nanoparticles effectively reinforced the porous collagen scaffold and promoted the cells penetrating into the scaffold, and proliferation.