Amino-modified silica surfaces efficiently immobilize bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) for medical purposes

Investigations into the effects of scaffold microstructure on slow-release system with bioactive factors for bone repair

In recent years, bone tissue engineering (BTE) has played an essential role in the repair of bone tissue defects. Although bioactive factors as one component of BTE have great potential to effectively promote cell differentiation and bone regeneration, they are usually not used alone due to their short effective half-lives, high concentrations, etc. The release rate of bioactive factors could be controlled by loading them into scaffolds, and the scaffold microstructure has been shown to significantly influence release rates of bioactive factors. Therefore, this review attempted to investigate how the scaffold microstructure affected the release rate of bioactive factors, in which the variables included pore size, pore shape and porosity. The loading nature and the releasing mechanism of bioactive factors were also summarized. The main conclusions were achieved as follows: i) The pore shapes in the scaffold may have had no apparent effect on the release of bioactive factors but significantly affected mechanical properties of the scaffolds; ii) The pore size of about 400 μm in the scaffold may be more conducive to controlling the release of bioactive factors to promote bone formation; iii) The porosity of scaffolds may be positively correlated with the release rate, and the porosity of 70%-80% may be better to control the release rate. This review indicates that a slow-release system with proper scaffold microstructure control could be a tremendous inspiration for developing new treatment strategies for bone disease. It is anticipated to eventually be developed into clinical applications to tackle treatment-related issues effectively.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles: synthesis methods and their therapeutic use-recent advances

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) are a particular example of innovative nanomaterials for the development of drug delivery systems. MSNPs have recently received more attention for biological and pharmaceutical applications due to their capability to deliver therapeutic agents. Due to their unique structure, they can function as an effective carrier for the delivery of therapeutic agents to mitigate diseases progress, reduce inflammatory responses and consequently improve cancer treatment. The potency of MSNPs for the diagnosis and management of various diseases has been studied. This literature review will take an in-depth look into the properties of various types of MSNPs (e.g. shape, particle and pore size, surface area, pore volume and surface functionalisation), and discuss their characteristics, in terms of cellular uptake, drug delivery and release. MSNPs will then be discussed in terms of their therapeutic applications (passive and active tumour targeting, theranostics, biosensing and immunostimulative), biocompatibility and safety issues. Also, emerging trends and expected future advancements of this carrier will be provided.

Biodegradable nanofibrous temperature-responsive gelling microspheres for heart regeneration

Myocardial infarction (heart attack) is the number one killer of heart patients. Existing treatments for heart attack do not address the underlying problem of cardiomyocyte (CM) loss and cannot regenerate the myocardium. Introducing exogenous cardiac cells is required for heart regeneration due to the lack of resident progenitor cells and very limited proliferative potential of adult CMs. Poor retention of transplanted cells is the critical bottleneck of heart regeneration. Here, we report the invention of a poly(l-lactic acid)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) copolymer and its self-assembly into nanofibrous gelling microspheres (NF-GMS). The NF-GMS undergo thermally responsive transition to form not only a 3D hydrogel after injection in vivo, but also exhibit architectural and structural characteristics mimicking the native extracellular matrix (ECM) of nanofibrous proteins and gelling proteoglycans or polysaccharides. By integrating the ECM-mimicking features, injectable form, and the capability of maintaining 3D geometry after injection, the transplantation of hESC-derived CMs carried by NF-GMS led to a striking 10-fold graft size increase over direct CM injection in an infarcted rat model, which is the highest reported engraftment to date. Furthermore, NF-GMS carried CM transplantation dramatically reduced infarct size, enhanced integration of transplanted CMs, stimulated vascularization in the infarct zone, and led to a substantial recovery of cardiac function. The NF-GMS may also serve as advanced injectable and integrative biomaterials for cell/biomolecule delivery in a variety of biomedical applications.

Immobilization of BMP-2-derived peptides on 3D-printed porous scaffolds for enhanced osteogenesis

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies open up new perspectives for customizing the external shape and internal architecture of bone scaffolds. In this study, an oligopeptide (SSVPT, Ser-Ser-Val-Pro-Thr) derived from bone morphogenetic protein 2 was conjugated with a dopamine coating on a 3D-printed poly(lactic acid) (PLA) scaffold to enhance osteogenesis. Cell experiments in vitro showed that the scaffold was highly osteoconductive to the adhesion and proliferation of rat marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In addition, RT-PCR analysis showed that the scaffold was able to promote the expression of osteogenesis-related genes, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteocalcin (OCN) and osteopontin (OPN). Images of the micro-CT 3D reconstruction from the rat cranial bone defect model showed that bone regeneration patterns occurred from one side edge towards the center of the area implanted with the prepared biomimetic peptide hydrogels, demonstrating significantly accelerated bone regeneration. This work will provide a basis to explore the application potential of bioactive scaffolds further.

Guiding mesenchymal stem cell differentiation using mesoporous silica nanoparticle-based films

The development of smart interfaces that can guide tissue formation is of great importance in the field of regenerative medicine. Nanoparticles represent an interesting class of materials that can be used to enhance regenerative treatments by enabling close control over surface properties and directing cellular responses. Moreover, nanoparticles can be used to provide temporally controlled delivery of (multiple) biochemical compounds. Here, we exploited the cargo loading and surface functionalization properties of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) to design films that can guide human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) differentiation towards the osteogenic lineage. We developed biocompatible MSN-based films that support stem cell adhesion and proliferation and demonstrated that these MSN films simultaneously allowed efficient local delivery of biomolecules without effecting film integrity. Films loaded with the osteogenesis-stimulating drug dexamethasone (Dex) were able to induce osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs in vitro. Dex delivery from the films led to increased alkaline phosphatase levels and matrix mineralization compared to directly supplementing Dex to the medium. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Dex release kinetics can be modulated using surface modifications with supported lipid bilayers. Together, these data demonstrate that MSN films represent an interesting approach to create biomaterial interfaces with controllable biomolecule release and surface properties to improve the bioactivity of biomaterials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Engineering surfaces that can control cell and tissue responses is one of the major challenges in biomaterials-based regenerative therapies. Here, we demonstrate the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as drug-delivering surface coatings. First, we show differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells towards the bone lineage when in contact with MSN films loaded with dexamethasone. Furthermore, we demonstrate that modification of MSNs with supported lipid bilayer allows control over drug release dynamics and cell shape. Given the range of loadable cargos and the tunability of release kinetics, MSN coatings can be used to mimic the sequential appearance of bioactive factors during tissue regeneration, which will ultimately lead to biomaterials with improved bioactivity.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2-Conjugated Silica Particles Enhanced Early Osteogenic Differentiation of Adipose Stem Cells on the Polycaprolactone Scaffold

Background

Silica particles (SPs) induce cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. We reported that SPs in the scaffold induced early stage osteogenic differentiation.

Methods

A polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold was fabricated with a 10 wt% SPs. The surface of PCL scaffold was coated with a 10 µg/mL collagen solution. Next, the scaffold was conjugated with 2 μM SPs, 2 μg/mL bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), or 2 μM BMP2-conjugated SPs (BCSPs). Green fluorescent protein-coupled BMP2 was applied to fabricate the scaffold. The fluorescence intensity was analyzed by confocal microscopy. The mRNA levels of the early osteogenic differentiation marker, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Levels of BMP2, RUNX2, ERK1/2, and AKT were assessed by western blotting.

Results

ALP mRNA levels were significantly higher in the BCSP-conjugated scaffold than in the other scaffolds. In the early stage of osteogenic differentiation, the protein levels of BMP2, RUNX2, ERK1/2, and AKT in cells were significantly higher in the BCSP-conjugated scaffold than in other scaffolds. Thus, the BCSP composite scaffold induced rapid osteogenic differentiation.

Conclusion

These results suggest that BCSP composite can be used to promote early stage osteogenic differentiation and show promise as a material for use in scaffolds for bone regeneration.

Orientation effects on the nanoscale adsorption behavior of bone morphogenetic protein-2 on hydrophilic silicon dioxide

Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (BMP-2) is a growth factor associated with different developmental functions in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Because of its favorable properties for the development of bone and cartilage tissue, BMP-2 promotes the biocompatibility of medical implants. In this research, molecular dynamics simulations were implemented to simulate the interaction of BMP-2 with a flat hydrophilic silicon dioxide substrate, an important biomaterial for medical applications. We considered the influence of four orthogonal protein orientations on the adsorption behavior. Results showed that arginine and lysine were the main residues to interact with the silicon dioxide substrate, directly adsorbing onto the surface and overcoming water layers. However, between these charged residues, we observed a preference for arginine to adsorb. Orientations with the α-helix loop closer to the surface at the beginning of the simulations had greater loss of secondary structure as compared to the other configurations. Among all the orientations, the end-on B configuration had favorable adsorption characteristics with a binding energy of 14 000 kJ mol-1 and retention of 21.7% β-sheets as confirmed by the Ramachandran plots. This research provides new insights into the nanoscale interaction of BMP-2 and silicon dioxide substrate with applications in orthopedic implants and regenerative medicine.

Improvement on the extraction efficiency of low density lipoprotein in an ionic liquid microemulsion

A novel microemulsion is developed at room temperature with 30 µL of sodium alginate sulfate (SAS, 0.02 mol/L), 0.005 g bis (2-ethylhexyl) succinate sulfonate (AOT) and 270 µL of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BmimPF₆) ionic liquid as aqueous phase, surfactant and IL phase, respectively. The SAS/AOT/BmimPF₆ microemulsion significantly improves the extraction efficiency for low density lipoprotein (LDL). 96% LDL in a 300 µL of PBS is selectively extracted into a same volume of microemulsion, with respect to those of 67%, 76% and 85% by BmimPF₆, H₂O/AOT/BmimPF₆ microemulsion and sodium alginate (SA)/AOT/BmimPF₆ microemulsion. LDL in the SAS/AOT/BmimPF₆ microemulsion is distributed both in BmimPF₆ via hydrophobic interaction and in the "pools" of the microemulsion via electrostatic interaction with AOT and specific interaction between LDL with SAS. 83% of LDL in the microemulsion can be readily back extracted into an aqueous phase with 0.8% (m/v) of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as stripping reagent. For practical applications, LDL in human serum is selectively extracted with the microemulsion, as demonstrated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).

Sustained Release of BMP-2 from Porous Particles with Leaf-Stacked Structure for Bone Regeneration

Sustained release of bioactive molecules from delivery systems is a common strategy for ensuring their prolonged bioactivity and for minimizing safety issues. However, residual toxic reagents, the use of harsh organic solvents, and complex fabrication procedures in conventional delivery systems are considered enormous impediments toward clinical use. Herein, we describe bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2)-immobilized porous polycaprolactone particles with unique leaf-stacked structures (LSS particles) prepared using clinically feasible materials and procedures. The BMP-2 immobilized in these LSS particles is continuously released up to 36 days to provide an appropriate environment for osteogenic differentiation of human periosteum-derived cells and new bone formation. Thus, the leaf-stacked structures of these LSS particles provide a simple but clinically applicable platform for effectively delivering a variety of bioactive molecules, such as growth factors, hormones, cytokines, peptides, etc.

Utilizing DNA for functionalization of biomaterial surfaces

DNA sequences are widely used for gene transfer into cells including a number of substrate surface-based supporting systems, but due to its singular structure property profile, DNA also offers multiple options for noncanonical applications. The special case of using DNA and oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN) structures for surface functionalization of biomedical implants is summarized here with the major focus on (a) immobilization or anchoring of nucleic acid structures on substrate surfaces, (b) incorporation of biologically active molecules (BAM) into such systems, and (c) biological characteristics of the resulting surfaces in vitro and in vivo. Sterilizations issues, important for potential clinical applications, are also considered.

Growth Factor Delivery Systems for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Growth factors (GFs) are often a key component in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches. In order to fully exploit the therapeutic potential of GFs, GF delivery vehicles have to meet a number of key design criteria such as providing localized delivery and mimicking the dynamic native GF expression levels and patterns. The use of biomaterials as delivery systems is the most successful strategy for controlled delivery and has been translated into different commercially available systems. However, the risk of side effects remains an issue, which is mainly attributed to insufficient control over the release profile. This book chapter reviews the current strategies, chemistries, materials and delivery vehicles employed to overcome the current limitations associated with GF therapies.

Validating Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticles for Their Nanosafety in Diverse Biomedical Applications

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising platforms for the synthesis of nanoparticles for diverse medical applications. Their fundamental design principles allow for significant control of the framework architecture and pore chemistry, enabling directed functionalization for nanomedical applications. However, before applying novel nanomaterials to patients, it is imperative to understand their potential health risks. In this study, the nanosafety of different MOF nanoparticles is analyzed comprehensively for diverse medical applications. The authors first evaluate the effects of MOFs on human endothelial and mouse lung cells, which constitute a first line of defense upon systemic blood-mediated and local lung-specific applications of nanoparticles. Second, we validated these MOFs for multifunctional surface coatings of dental implants using human gingiva fibroblasts. Moreover, biocompatibility of MOFs is assessed for surface coating of nerve guidance tubes using human Schwann cells and rat dorsal root ganglion cultures. The main finding of this study is that the nanosafety and principal suitability of our MOF nanoparticles as novel agents for drug delivery and implant coatings strongly varies with the effector cell type. We conclude that it is therefore necessary to carefully evaluate the nanosafety of MOF nanomaterials with respect to their particular medical application and their interacting primary cell types, respectively.

Enhancement of interaction of L-929 cells with functionalized graphene via COOH+ ion implantation vs. chemical method

Low hydrophilicity of graphene is one of the major obstacles for biomaterials application. To create some hydrophilic groups on graphene is addressed this issue. Herein, COOH+ ion implantation modified graphene (COOH+/graphene) and COOH functionalized graphene were designed by physical ion implantation and chemical methods, respectively. The structure and surface properties of COOH+/graphene and COOH functionalized graphene were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and contact angle measurement. Compared with graphene, COOH+/graphene and COOH functionalized graphene revealed improvement of cytocompatibility, including in vitro cell viability and morphology. More importantly, COOH+/graphene exhibited better improvement effects than functionalized graphene. For instance, COOH+/graphene with 1 × 1018 ions/cm2 showed the best cell-viability, proliferation and stretching. This study demonstrated that ion implantation can better improve the cytocompatibility of the graphene.

Functional Modification of Fibrous PCL Scaffolds with Fusion Protein VEGF-HGFI Enhanced Cellularization and Vascularization

The lack of efficient vascularization within frequently used poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds has hindered their application in tissue engineering. Hydrophobin HGFI, an amphiphilic protein, can form a self-assembly layer on the surface of PCL scaffolds and convert their wettability. In this study, a fusion protein consisting of HGFI and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is prepared by Pichia pastoris expression system. Sodium dodecyl sulface-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and western blotting confirm that the VEGF-HGFI is successfully isolated and purified. Transmission electron microscope and water contact angle measurement demonstrate that VEGF-HGFI can form a self-assembly layer with about 25 nm in thickness on electrospun PCL fibers and increase their hydrophilicity. VEGF-HGFI modification can effectively enhance the adhesion, migration, and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging shows that the VEGF-HGFI modification on PCL scaffolds can exist at least 21 d in vitro and at least 14 d in vivo. Bioluminescence imaging shows that VEGF-HGFI can effectively activate vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 receptors. Subcutaneous implantation in mice and rats reveal that cellularization and vascularization are significantly improved in VEGF-HGFI modified PCL scaffolds. These results suggest that VEGF-HGFI is a useful molecule for functional modification of scaffolds to enhance cellularization and vascularization in tissue engineering.

Nanoporous silica nanoparticles as biomaterials: evaluation of different strategies for the functionalization with polysialic acid by step-by-step cytocompatibility testing

Nanoporous silica materials have become a prominent novel class of biomaterials which are typically applied as nanoparticles or thin films. Their large surface area combined with the rich surface chemistry of amorphous silica affords the possibility to equip this material with variable functionalities, also with several different ones on the same particle or coating. Although many studies have shown that nanoporous silica is apparently non-toxic and basically biocompatible, any surface modification may change the surface properties considerably and, therefore, the modified materials should be checked for their biocompatibility at every step. Here we report on different silane-based functionalization strategies, firstly a conventional succinic anhydride-based linker system and, secondly, copper-catalyzed click chemistry, to bind polysialic acid, a polysaccharide important in neurogenesis, onto nanoporous silica nanoparticles (NPSNPs) of MCM-41 type. At each of the different modification steps, the materials are characterized by cell culture experiments. The results show that polysialic acid can be immobilized on the surface of NPSNPs by using different strategies. The cell culture experiments show that the kind of surface immobilization has a strong influence on the toxicity of the material versus the cells. Whereas most modifications appear inoffensive, NPSNPs modified by click reactions are toxic, probably due to residues of the Cu catalyst used in these reactions.

The enhanced anticoagulation for graphene induced by COOH(+) ion implantation

Graphene may have attractive properties for some biomedical applications, but its potential adverse biological effects, in particular, possible modulation when it comes in contact with blood, require further investigation. Little is known about the influence of exposure to COOH(+)-implanted graphene (COOH(+)/graphene) interacting with red blood cells and platelets. In this paper, COOH(+)/graphene was prepared by modified Hummers' method and implanted by COOH(+) ions. The structure and surface chemical and physical properties of COOH(+)/graphene were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and contact angle measurement. Systematic evaluation of anticoagulation, including in vitro platelet adhesion assays and hemolytic assays, proved that COOH(+)/graphene has significant anticoagulation. In addition, at the dose of 5 × 10(17) ions/cm(2), COOH(+)/graphene responded best on platelet adhesion, aggregation, and platelet activation.

Biodegradable chitosan nanoparticle coatings on titanium for the delivery of BMP-2

A simple method for the functionalization of a common implant material (Ti6Al4V) with biodegradable, drug loaded chitosan-tripolyphosphate (CS-TPP) nanoparticles is developed in order to enhance the osseointegration of endoprostheses after revision operations. The chitosan used has a tailored degree of acetylation which allows for a fast biodegradation by lysozyme. The degradability of chitosan is proven via viscometry. Characteristics and degradation of nanoparticles formed with TPP are analyzed using dynamic light scattering. The particle degradation via lysozyme displays a decrease in particle diameter of 40% after 4 days. Drug loading and release is investigated for the nanoparticles with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), using ELISA and the BRE luciferase test for quantification and bioactivity evaluation. Furthermore, nanoparticle coatings on titanium substrates are created via spray-coating and analyzed by ellipsometry, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Drug loaded nanoparticle coatings with biologically active BMP-2 are obtained in vitro within this work. Additionally, an in vivo study in mice indicates the dose dependent induction of ectopic bone growth through CS-TPP-BMP-2 nanoparticles. These results show that biodegradable CS-TPP coatings can be utilized to present biologically active BMP-2 on common implant materials like Ti6Al4V.

Immobilization of sodium alginate sulfates on polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes for selective adsorption of low-density lipoprotein

A novel method for the immobilization of sodium alginate sulfates (SAS) on polysulfone (PSu) ultrafiltration membranes to achieve selective adsorption of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was developed, which involved the photoinduced graft polymerization of acrylamide on the membrane and the Hofmann rearrangement reaction of grafted acrylamide followed by chemical binding of SAS with glutaraldehyde. The surface modification processes were confirmed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization. Zeta potential and water contact angle measurements were performed to investigate the surface charge and wettability of the membranes. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the binding of LDL on plain and modified PSu membranes. It was found that the PSu membrane immobilized with sodium alginate sulfates (PSu-SAS) greatly enhanced the selective adsorption of LDL from protein solutions and the absorbed LDL could be easily eluted with sodium chloride solution, indicating a specific and reversible binding of LDL to SAS, mainly driven by electrostatic forces. Furthermore, the PSu-SAS membrane showed good blood compatibility as examined by platelet adhesion. The results suggest that the PSu-SAS membranes are promising for application in simultaneous hemodialysis and LDL apheresis therapy.

A theranostic agent to enhance osteogenic and magnetic resonance imaging properties of calcium phosphate cements

With biomimetic biomaterials, like calcium phosphate cements (CPCs), non-invasive assessment of tissue regeneration is challenging. This study describes a theranostic agent (TA) to simultaneously enhance both imaging and osteogenic properties of such a bone substitute material. For this purpose, mesoporous silica beads were produced containing an iron oxide core to enhance bone magnetic resonance (MR) contrast. The same beads were functionalized with silane linkers to immobilize the osteoinductive protein BMP-2, and finally received a calcium phosphate coating, before being embedded in the CPC. Both in vitro and in vivo tests were performed. In vitro testing showed that the TA beads did not interfere with essential material properties like cement setting. Furthermore, bioactive BMP-2 could be efficiently released from the carrier-beads. In vivo testing in a femoral condyle defect rat model showed long-term MR contrast enhancement, as well as improved osteogenic capacity. Moreover, the TA was released during CPC degradation and was not incorporated into the newly formed bone. In conclusion, the described TA was shown to be suitable for longitudinal material degradation and bone healing studies.

Dispersive evaluation and surface chemistry of advanced, multifunctional silica/lignin hybrid biomaterials

Advanced silica/lignin hybrid biomaterials were obtained using hydrated or fumed silicas (Aerosil®200) and Kraft lignin as precursors, which is a cheap and biodegradable natural polymer. To extend the possible range of applications, the silicas were first modified with N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxsysilane, and then with Kraft lignin, which had been oxidized with sodium periodate. The SiO2/lignin hybrids and precursors were characterised by means of determination of their physicochemical and dispersive-morphological properties. The effectiveness of silica binding to lignin was verified by FT-IR spectroscopy. The zeta potential value provides relevant information regarding interactions between colloid particles. Measurement of the zeta potential values enabled an indirect assessment of stability for the studied hybrid systems. Determination of zeta potential and density of surface charge also permitted the quantitative analysis of changes in surface charge, and indirectly confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed method for synthesis of SiO2/lignin hybrid materials. A particularly attractive feature for practical use is their stability, especially electrokinetic stability. It is expected that silica/lignin hybrids will find a wide range of applications (polymer fillers, biosorbents, electrochemical sensors), as they combine the unique properties of silica with the specific structural features of lignin. This makes these hybrids biomaterials advanced and multifunctional.

Nanoporous silica coatings on implant surfaces: characterization, stability, biocompatibility and drug release properties

Nanoporous silica coatings for drug release purposes were prepared on medical implants. As substrate, we chose Bioverit® II, which is a commercial available glass-mica ceramic implant material. The coating was prepared by a dip-coating technique in which long-chain organic molecules act as placeholders for the pores. Characterization of the coatings by scanning transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction showed a disordered nanoporous system with a layer thickness of 30–150 nm. The nanoporous structure was stable for about 12 h in a typical cell culture medium and rearranged to a packing of silica nanoparticles. The coating allowed cell attachment and showed excellent biocompatibility in cell culture tests independently of the particular cell type examined. In vivo, implant-tissue interactions were examined in the middle ear in a novel mouse model. Whole genome expression profiling showed no persisting inflammatory response in the presence of the implants. Release profiles of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin demonstrated that the coating is suitable for a local drug delivery. The drug loading capacity could be drastically increased after sulfonic acid modification of the Bioverit® II surface.

Functionalized ceramics for biomedical, biotechnological and environmental applications

Surface functionalization has become of paramount importance and is considered a fundamental tool for the development and design of countless devices and engineered systems for key technological areas in biomedical, biotechnological and environmental applications. In this review, surface functionalization strategies for alumina, zirconia, titania, silica, iron oxide and calcium phosphate are presented and discussed. These materials have become particularly important concerning the aforementioned applications, being not only of great academic, but also of steadily increasing human and commercial, interest. In this review, special emphasis is given to their use as biomaterials, biosensors, biological targets, drug delivery systems, implants, chromatographic supports for biomolecule purification and analysis, and adsorbents for toxic substances and pollutants. The objective of this review is to provide a broad picture of the enormous possibilities offered by surface functionalization and to identify particular challenges regarding surface analysis and characterization.

Delivering bioactive molecules as instructive cues to engineered tissues

INTRODUCTION

Growth factors and other bioactive molecules play a crucial role in the creation of functional engineered tissues from dissociated cells.

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses the delivery of bioactive molecules - particularly growth factors - to affect cellular function in the context of tissue engineering. We discuss the primary biological themes that are addressed by delivering bioactives, the types of molecules that are to be delivered, the major materials used in producing scaffolds and/or drug delivery systems, and the principal drug delivery strategies.

EXPERT OPINION

Drug delivery systems have allowed the sustained release of bioactive molecules to engineered tissues, with marked effects on tissue function. Sophisticated drug delivery techniques will allow precise recapitulation of developmental milestones by providing temporally distinct patterns of release of multiple bioactives. High-resolution patterning techniques will allow tissue constructs to be designed with precisely defined areas where bioactives can act. New biological discoveries, just as the development of small molecules with potent effects on cell differentiation, will likely have a marked impact on the field.

Efficacy of nanoporous silica coatings on middle ear prostheses as a delivery system for antibiotics: an animal study in rabbits

Nanoporous silica layers are able to host molecules and release them over a certain period of time. These local drug delivery systems for antibiotics could be a new approach in the treatment of chronic otitis media. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of nanoporous silica coatings on middle ear prostheses as a delivery system for antibiotics in vivo. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was inoculated into the middle ear of rabbits to induce an otitis media. The control group received coated Bioverit®II implants without antibiotics. Coated prostheses with loaded ciprofloxacin were implanted into the middle ears of the study group. After 1 week, the rabbits were sacrificed. The clinical examination as well as the microbiological and histological examinations of organs and middle ear irrigation revealed clear differences between the two groups. P. aeruginosa was detected in every middle ear of the control group and was almost completely eliminated in the study group. Organ examinations revealed the presence of P. aeruginosa in the control group and a prevention of a bacterial spread in the study group. The nanoporous silica layer as antibiotic delivery system showed convincing efficacy in induced pseudomonal otitis media in the rabbit.

The recombinant human dentin matrix protein 1-coated titanium and its effect on the attachment, proliferation and ALP activity of MG63 cells

The aim of the present work was to design a bio-interactive implant surface by coating recombinant human dentin matrix protein 1 (hDMP1) onto titanium and to investigate the biological function of this material. Firstly, the plasmid containing the hDMP1 cDNA was constructed and hDMP1 was expressed, purified and characterized. Then, hDMP1 was coated onto the surface of Ti substrates via a biochemical technique and the procedure was divided into three steps: in the beginning, titanium was treated by regular polishing and denoted as Cp-Ti; then, Cp-Ti received alkaline and water treatment and was nominated as AW-Ti; finally, AW-Ti was coated with hDMP1 and referred to as hDMP1-Ti. The inserts of hDMP1 genes were detected by enzyme digestion as well as gel electrophoresis, and the complete nucleotide sequence of hDMP1 was tested. The purified recombinant hDMP1 was electrophoresed on a 10 % SDS-PAGE gel. Cp-Ti, AW-Ti and hDMP1-Ti were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscope and water contact angles tests. The biological activity of MG63 cells cultured in the three groups was investigated by the cell attachment, proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity assays. The results show that hDMP1 was successfully constructed and coated onto the titanium surface, and hDMP1-Ti had higher hydrophilicity than Cp-Ti. Compared with Cp-Ti and AW-Ti, hDMP1-Ti showed better in vitro bioactivity.

Growth factor delivery: how surface interactions modulate release in vitro and in vivo

Biomaterial scaffolds have been extensively used to deliver growth factors to induce new bone formation. The pharmacokinetics of growth factor delivery has been a critical regulator of their clinical success. This review will focus on the surface interactions that control the non-covalent incorporation of growth factors into scaffolds and the mechanisms that control growth factor release from clinically relevant biomaterials. We will focus on the delivery of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 from materials currently used in the clinical practice, but also suggest how general mechanisms that control growth factor incorporation and release delineated with this growth factor could extend to other systems. A better understanding of the changing mechanisms that control growth factor release during the different stages of preclinical development could instruct the development of future scaffolds for currently untreatable injuries and diseases.

Strategies for controlled delivery of growth factors and cells for bone regeneration

The controlled delivery of growth factors and cells within biomaterial carriers can enhance and accelerate functional bone formation. The carrier system can be designed with pre-programmed release kinetics to deliver bioactive molecules in a localized, spatiotemporal manner most similar to the natural wound healing process. The carrier can also act as an extracellular matrix-mimicking substrate for promoting osteoprogenitor cellular infiltration and proliferation for integrative tissue repair. This review discusses the role of various regenerative factors involved in bone healing and their appropriate combinations with different delivery systems for augmenting bone regeneration. The general requirements of protein, cell and gene therapy are described, with elaboration on how the selection of materials, configurations and processing affects growth factor and cell delivery and regenerative efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo applications for bone tissue engineering.

BMP-2-loaded silica nanotube fibrous meshes for bone generation

Silica nanotube fibrous meshes were fabricated as multiple functional matrices for both delivering bone morphological protein-2 (BMP-2) and supporting osteoblast attachment and proliferation. The meshes were fabricated via a collagen-templated sol-gel route and consisted of tubular silica with open ends. BMP-2 was loaded to the meshes by soaking in BMP-2 solution. The meshes effectively enabled the attachment and proliferation of osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells and delivered bioactive BMP-2 to stimulate cell differentiation. These results demonstrate the potential use of the meshes in bone generation applications.