Hydroxyapatite-fucoidan nanocomposites for bone tissue engineering

Fucoidan-hybrid hydroxyapatite nanoparticles promote the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells under inflammatory condition

Inflammation-related bone defects often lead to poor osteogenesis. Therefore, it is crucial to reduce the inflammation response and promote the osteogenic differentiation of stem/progenitor cells to revitalize bone physiology. Here, a kind of hybrid nano-hydroxyapatite was prepared using the confined phosphate ion release method with the participation of fucoidan, a marine-sourced polysaccharide with anti-inflammation property. The physicochemical analyses confirmed that the fucoidan hybrid nano-hydroxyapatite (FC/n-HA) showed fine needle-like architectures. With a higher amount of fucoidan, the crystal size and crystallinity of the FC/n-HA reduced while the liquid dispersibility was improved. Cell experiences showed that FC/n-HA had an optimal cytocompatibility at concentration of 50 μg/mL. Moreover, the lipopolysaccharide-induced cellular inflammatory model with PDLSCs was established and used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and osteogenic properties. For the 1%FC/n-HA group, the expression levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly reduced at 24 h, while the expression of alkaline phosphatase of PDLSCs was significantly promoted at days 3 and 7, and calcium precipitates was enhanced at 21 days. In this study, the FC/n-HA particles showed effective anti-inflammatory properties and facilitated osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs, indicating which has potential application in treating bone defects associated with inflammation, such as periodontitis.

The Effects of Fucoidan Derived from Sargassum filipendula and Fucus vesiculosus on the Survival and Mineralisation of Osteogenic Progenitors

Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer primarily affecting teenagers. It has a poor prognosis and diminished quality of life after treatment due to chemotherapy side effects, surgical complications and post-surgical osteoporosis risks. The sulphated polysaccharide fucoidan, derived from brown algae, has been a subject of interest for its potential anti-cancer properties and its impact on bone regeneration. This study explores the influence of crude, low-molecular-weight (LMW, 10-50 kDa), medium-molecular-weight (MMW, 50-100 kDa) and high-molecular-weight (HMW, >100 kDa) fractions from Sargassum filipendula, harvested from the Colombian sea coast, as well as crude fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus, on a specific human osteoprogenitor cell type, human embryonic-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy coupled with attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) results showed the highest sulphation levels and lowest uronic acid content in crude extract from F. vesiculosus. There was a dose-dependent drop in focal adhesion formation, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of cells for all fucoidan types, but the least toxicity was observed for LMW and MMW. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), JC-1 (5,50,6,60-tetrachloro-1,10,3,30-tetraethylbenzimi-dazolylcarbocyanine iodide) staining and cytochrome c analyses confirmed mitochondrial damage, swollen ER and upregulated autophagy due to fucoidans, with the highest severity in the case of F. vesiculosus fucoidan. Stress-induced apoptosis-like cell death by F. vesiculosus fucoidan and stress-induced necrosis-like cell death by S. filipendula fucoidans were also confirmed. LMW and MMW doses of <200 ng/mL were the least toxic and showed potential osteoinductivity. This research underscores the multifaceted impact of fucoidans on osteoprogenitor cells and highlights the delicate balance between potential therapeutic benefits and the challenges involved in using fucoidans for post-surgery treatments in patients with osteosarcoma.

Alginate templated synthesis, characterization and in vitro osteogenic evaluation of strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite

The objective of this study is to explore the potential role of alginate (Alg) in the crystallization of metal-substituted hydroxyapatite, with application in orthopaedic reconstruction. The alginate at different concentrations (0.5 and 1.0 wt%) facilitated in situ mineralization of hydroxyapatite (HA) and strontium-substituted HA (SHA, 10 and 30 mol%). The incorporation of the biopolymer and dopant induced notable changes in HA, including reduced crystal size from 31.0 to 16.4 nm and increased lattice volume from 577.3 to 598.0 Å3. The superior affinity of alginate for Sr2+ than for Ca2+ resulted in higher residual alginate in Alg/SHA (13.0 to 19.0 %) compared to Alg/HA (7.1 to 8.2 %). This residual alginate influenced composite properties: surface charge decreased from -26.5 to -45.7 mV, microhardness increased from 0.33 to 0.54 GPa, and dissolution increased from 0.17 to 0.39 %. The in vitro studies revealed that strontium substitution as well as the organization and crystallographic aspects of apatite regulated osteoblastic cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and biomineralization. The findings suggest that an alginate concentration of 0.5 wt% is optimal for the crystallization of SHA with 10 mol% substitution, and its resulting composite possesses the ideal biomechanical properties to imitate native bone.

Development of a Novel Marine-Derived Tricomposite Biomaterial for Bone Regeneration

Bone tissue engineering is a promising treatment for bone loss that requires a combination of porous scaffold and osteogenic cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate and develop a tricomposite, biomimetic scaffold consisting of marine-derived biomaterials, namely, chitosan and fucoidan with hydroxyapatite (HA). The effects of chitosan, fucoidan and HA individually and in combination on the proliferation and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were investigated. According to the SEM results, the tricomposite scaffold had a uniform porous structure, which is a key requirement for cell migration, proliferation and vascularisation. The presence of HA and fucoidan in the chitosan tricomposite scaffold was confirmed using FTIR, which showed a slight decrease in porosity and an increase in the density of the tricomposite scaffold compared to other formulations. Fucoidan was found to inhibit cell proliferation at higher concentrations and at earlier time points when applied as a single treatment, but this effect was lost at later time points. Similar results were observed with HA alone. However, both HA and fucoidan increased MSC mineralisation as measured by calcium deposition. Differentiation was significantly enhanced in MSCs cultured on the tricomposite, with increased alkaline phosphatase activity on days 17 and 25. In conclusion, the tricomposite is biocompatible, promotes osteogenesis, and has the structural and compositional properties required of a scaffold for bone tissue engineering. This biomaterial could provide an effective treatment for small bone defects as an alternative to autografts or be the basis for cell attachment and differentiation in ex vivo bone tissue engineering.

Unveiling the secrets of marine-derived fucoidan for bone tissue engineering-A review

Biomedical uses for natural polysaccharides of marine origin are growing in popularity. The most prevalent polysaccharides, including alginates, agar, agarose and carrageenan, are found in seaweeds. One among these is fucoidan, which is a sulfated polysaccharide derived from brown algae. Compared to many of the biomaterials of marine origin currently in research, it is more broadly accessible and less expensive. This polysaccharide comes from the same family of brown algae from which alginate is extracted, but has garnered less research compared to it. Although it was the subject of research beginning in the 1910's, not much has been done on it since then. Few researchers have focused on its potential for biomedical applications; nevertheless, a thorough knowledge of the molecular mechanisms behind its diverse features is still lacking. This review provides a quick outline of its history, sources, and organization. The characteristics of this potential biomaterial have also been explored, with a thorough analysis concentrating on its use in bone tissue engineering. With the preclinical research completed up to this point, the fucoidan research status globally has also been examined. Therefore, the study might be utilized as a comprehensive manual to understand in depth the research status of fucoidan, particularly for applications related to bone tissue engineering.

Fucoidan-based hydrogels particles as versatile carriers for diabetes treatment strategies

There is a current lack of fully efficient therapies for diabetes mellitus, a chronic disease where the metabolism of blood glucose is severely hindered by a deficit in insulin or cell resistance to this hormone. Therefore, it is crucial to develop new therapeutic strategies to treat this disease, including devices for the controlled delivery of insulin or encapsulation of insulin-producing cells. In this work, fucoidan (Fu) - a marine sulfated polysaccharide exhibiting relevant properties on reducing blood glucose and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects - was used for the development of versatile carriers envisaging diabetes advanced therapies. Fu was functionalized by methacrylation (MFu) using 8% and 12% (v/v) of methacrylic anhydride and further photocrosslinked using visible light in the presence of triethanolamine and eosin-y to produce hydrogel particles. Degree of methacrylation varied between 2.78 and 6.50, as determined by ¹HNMR, and the produced particles have an average diameter ranging from 0.63 to 1.3 mm (dry state). Insulin (5%) was added to MFu solution to produce drug-loaded particles and the release profile was assessed in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) for 24 h. Insulin was released in a sustained manner during the initial 8 h, reaching then a plateau, higher in PBS than in SIF, indicating that lower pH favors drug liberation. Moreover, the ability of MFu particles to serve as templates for the culture of human pancreatic cells was assessed using 1.1B4 cell line during up to 7 days. During the culture period studied, pancreatic beta cells were proliferating, with a global viability over 80% and tend to form pseudo-islets, thus suggesting that the proposed biomaterial could be a good candidate as versatile carrier for diabetes treatment as they sustain the release of insulin and support pancreatic beta cells viability.

S, Chatterjee K, Venkatesan J. Fucoidan-Incorporated Composite Scaffold Stimulates Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Bone Tissue Engineering

Globally, millions of bone graft procedures are being performed by clinicians annually to treat the rising prevalence of bone defects. Here, the study designed a fucoidan from Sargassum ilicifolium incorporated in an osteo-inductive scaffold comprising calcium crosslinked sodium alginate-nano hydroxyapatite-nano graphene oxide (Alg-HA-GO-F), which tends to serve as a bone graft substitute. The physiochemical characterization that includes FT-IR, XRD, and TGA confirms the structural integration between the materials. The SEM and AFM reveal highly suitable surface properties, such as porosity and nanoscale roughness. The incorporation of GO enhanced the mechanical strength of the Alg-HA-GO-F. The findings demonstrate the slower degradation and improved protein adsorption in the fucoidan-loaded scaffolds. The slow and sustained release of fucoidan in PBS for 120 h provides the developed system with an added advantage. The apatite formation ability of Alg-HA-GO-F in the SBF solution predicts the scaffold's osteointegration and bone-bonding capability. In vitro studies using C3H10T1/2 revealed a 1.5X times greater cell proliferation in the fucoidan-loaded scaffold than in the control. Further, the results determined the augmented alkaline phosphatase and mineralization activity. The physical, structural, and enriching osteogenic potential results of Alg-HA-GO-F indicate that it can be a potential bone graft substitute for orthopedic applications.

Membranes for the life sciences and their future roles in medicine

Since the global outbreak of COVID-19, membrane technology for clinical treatments, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and protective masks and clothing, has attracted intense research attention for its irreplaceable abilities. Membrane research and applications are now playing an increasingly important role in various fields of life science. In addition to intrinsic properties such as size sieving, dissolution and diffusion, membranes are often endowed with additional functions as cell scaffolds, catalysts or sensors to satisfy the specific requirements of different clinical applications. In this review, we will introduce and discuss state-of-the-art membranes and their respective functions in four typical areas of life science: artificial organs, tissue engineering, in vitro blood diagnosis and medical support. Emphasis will be given to the description of certain specific functions required of membranes in each field to provide guidance for the selection and fabrication of the membrane material. The advantages and disadvantages of these membranes have been compared to indicate further development directions for different clinical applications. Finally, we propose challenges and outlooks for future development.

Efficacy of marine bioactive compound fucoidan for bone regeneration and implant fixation in sheep

The need for a substitute for allograft and autograft is rising as bone graft surgeries exceed available supplies. We investigated the efficacy of the low-molecular weight marine bioactive compound fucoidan (FUC) on bone regeneration and implant fixation in seven female sheep, as FUC has shown great promise as a bone substitute. Titanium implants were inserted bilaterally in the distal femurs to test three hydroxyapatite/fucoidan (HA/FUC) groups and compared to allograft. The HA was coated with either 500 or 1500 μg of FUC, obtained by microwave-assisted chemical extraction, or 500 μg of FUC obtained by an enzyme-assisted extraction method. The concentric 2-mm gap around the implant was filled with either one of the HA/FUCs or allograft from the donor sheep. After 12 weeks, implant-bone blocks were harvested and divided into three parts for mechanical push-out testing, immunohistochemistry, and micro-CT and histomorphometry. Pronounced bone formations were observed by micro-CT and histomorphometry in all groups, but higher bone volume fractions were seen in the allograft group compared to the three HA/FUC groups. The trabecular thickness, trabecular separation, and architectural anisotropy were all significantly higher in the allograft group compared to the three HA/FUC groups. In conclusion, adequate bone formation was observed in all groups, although the bone formation was significantly greater in the allograft group. Also, no significant differences existed in the shear mechanical properties between groups, suggesting that the combination of HA and FUC can achieve a similar fixation strength to allograft in this model.

Synthesis of nanohydroxyapatite/collagen-loaded fucoidan-based composite hydrogel for drug delivery to gastrointestinal cancer cells

The present study aims to evaluate the synthesis of nanohydroxyapatite/collagen-loaded fucoidan-based composite hydrogel and characterized its physico-chemical properties for targeted drug delivery to gastrointestinal cancer cells. The nanomaterial is fabricated and characterized as small spherical nanosheets with a high thermal stability by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV-vis spectrophotometry (UV-vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). in vitro cytotoxicity, BrdU cell proliferation, and scratch assays demonstrate that the nanohydroxyapatite/collagen-loaded fucoidan-based nanomaterial exhibits non-toxicity and increases cell proliferation and migration. in vitro free radical scavenging assays confirm that the fabricated nanomaterial inhibits reactive oxygen species and generates singlet oxygen radicals in the gastrointestinal cancer cells by. The current findings suggest that the proposed nanomaterial can be a potential carrier for the targeted drug delivery to the gastrointestinal cancer cells.

Strategies for Using Polydopamine to Induce Biomineralization of Hydroxyapatite on Implant Materials for Bone Tissue Engineering

In the field of tissue engineering, there are several issues to consider when designing biomaterials for implants, including cellular interaction, good biocompatibility, and biochemical activity. Biomimetic mineralization has gained considerable attention as an emerging approach for the synthesis of biocompatible materials with complex shapes, categorized organization, controlled shape, and size in aqueous environments. Understanding biomineralization strategies could enhance opportunities for novel biomimetic mineralization approaches. In this regard, mussel-inspired biomaterials have recently attracted many researchers due to appealing features, such as strong adhesive properties on moist surfaces, improved cell adhesion, and immobilization of bioactive molecules via catechol chemistry. This molecular designed approach has been a key point in combining new functionalities into accessible biomaterials for biomedical applications. Polydopamine (PDA) has emerged as a promising material for biomaterial functionalization, considering its simple molecular structure, independence of target materials, cell interactions for adhesion, and robust reactivity for resulting functionalization. In this review, we highlight the strategies for using PDA to induce the biomineralization of hydroxyapatite (HA) on the surface of various implant materials with good mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. We also discuss the interactions between the PDA-HA coating, and several cell types that are intricate in many biomedical applications, involving bone defect repair, bone regeneration, cell attachment, and antibacterial activity.

Sulfated Polysaccharides from Macroalgae for Bone Tissue Regeneration

BACKGROUND

Utilization of macroalgae has gained much attention in the field of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, food and bioenergy. Macroalgae has been widely consumed in Asian countries as food from ancient days and proved that it has potential bioactive compounds which are responsible for its nutritional properties. Macroalgae consists of a diverse range of bioactive compounds including proteins, lipids, pigments, polysaccharides, etc. Polysaccharides from macroalgae have been utilized in food industries as gelling agents and drug excipients in the pharmaceutical industries owing to their biocompatibility and gel forming properties. Exploration of macroalgae derived sulfated polysaccharides in biomedical applications is increasing recently.

METHODS

In the current review, we have provided information of three different sulfated polysaccharides such as carrageenan, fucoidan and ulvan and their isolation procedure (enzymatic precipitation, microwave assisted method, and enzymatic hydrolysis method), structural details, and their biomedical applications exclusively for bone tissue repair and regeneration.

RESULTS

From the scientific results on sulfated polysaccharides from macroalgae, we conclude that sulfated polysaccharides have exceptional properties in terms of hydrogel-forming ability, scaffold formation, and mimicking the extracellular matrix, increasing alkaline phosphatase activity, enhancement of biomineralization ability and stem cell differentiation for bone tissue regeneration.

CONCLUSION

Overall, sulfated polysaccharides from macroalgae may be promising biomaterials in bone tissue repair and regeneration.

Optimizing Nanohydroxyapatite Nanocomposites for Bone Tissue Engineering

Bone tissue engineering involves the combined use of materials with functional properties to regenerate bone. Nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) can influence the behavior of cells. The functional and structural properties of nHA can be controlled during nanoparticle synthesis. This review defines the relationship between the attributes of nHA nanoparticles and their biological effects, focusing on biocompatibility, surface-area-to-volume ratio, bonding chemistry, and substrate functionality. The paper explores how these aspects have been applied in the development of scaffolds for the repair of damaged bone or regeneration of missing bone.

Biomimetic bone tissue engineering hydrogel scaffolds constructed using ordered CNTs and HA induce the proliferation and differentiation of BMSCs

The ordered hydrogel (AG-Col-o-CNT) scaffolds promoted the growth of BMSCs and influenced the differentiation of BMSCs into osteoblasts in vitro and in vivo.

Biomineralization of Fucoidan-Peptide Blends and Their Potential Applications in Bone Tissue Regeneration

Fucoidan (Fuc), a natural polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed algae, and gelatin (Gel) were conjugated to form a template for preparation of biomimetic scaffolds for potential applications in bone tissue regeneration. To the Fuc-Gel we then incorporated the peptide sequence MTNYDEAAMAIASLN (MTN) derived from the E-F hand domain, known for its calcium binding properties. To mimic the components of the extracellular matrix of bone tissue, the Fuc-Gel-MTN assemblies were incubated in simulated body fluid (SBF) to induce biomineralization, resulting in the formation of β-tricalcium phosphate, and hydroxyapatite (HAp). The formed Fuc-Gel-MTN-beta-TCP/HAP scaffolds were found to display an average Young's Modulus value of 0.32 GPa (n = 5) with an average surface roughness of 91 nm. Rheological studies show that the biomineralized scaffold exhibited higher storage and loss modulus compared to the composites formed before biomineralization. Thermal phase changes were studied through DSC and TGA analysis. XRD and EDS analyses indicated a biphasic mixture of β-tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite and the composition of the scaffold. The scaffold promoted cell proliferation, differentiation and displayed actin stress fibers indicating the formation of cell-scaffold matrices in the presence of MT3C3-E1 mouse preosteoblasts. Osteogenesis and mineralization were found to increase with Fuc-Gel-MTN-beta-TCP/HAP scaffolds. Thus, we have developed a novel scaffold for possible applications in bone tissue engineering.

Low‑molecular weight fucoidan inhibits the differentiation of osteoclasts and reduces osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats

Fucoidan is a type of sulfated polysaccharide isolated from seaweed. The present study used ovariectomized Sprague‑Dawley rats, which were treated with fucoidan. The effects of fucoidan on bone metabolism, density and microarchitecture were assessed using micro‑computed tomography (CT), histomorphometric analysis, biochemical markers of bone metabolism (Serum procollagen type I N propeptide and C‑terminal telopeptide‑1) and tests of mechanical competence of the femur. In addition, the effects of low‑molecular weight fucoidan (LMWF) on in vitro cultured osteoclasts were examined, in order to determine the mechanisms underlying LMWF‑induced osteoclastic inhibition. In ovariectomized rats, LMWF increased femoral bone density. Micro‑CT scan also revealed that LMWF prevented microarchitectural deterioration and histomorphometric analysis determined that LMWF increased trabecular bone number and reduced the surface of bone resorption. In addition, LMWF reduced the high bone turnover rate, and improved the mechanical properties of the femur in ovariectomized rats. In vitro experiments revealed that LMWF inhibited the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony‑stimulating factor‑induced differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into tartrate‑resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)‑positive osteoclasts, and reduced the bone resorption surface of the osteoclasts. Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that LMWF inhibited mRNA expression of TRAP, matrix metallopeptidase‑9, nuclear activator of activated T‑cells 1, and osteoclast‑associated immunoglobulin‑like receptor, which are components of the signaling pathway for osteoclast differentiation. LMWF had no effect on RANK mRNA expression. In conclusion, the present study confirmed that LMWF inhibited osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, and may be a potential treatment for osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats.

Fucoidans in Nanomedicine

Fucoidans are widespread cost-effective sulfated marine polysaccharides which have raised interest in the scientific community over last decades for their wide spectrum of bioactivities. Unsurprisingly, nanomedicine has grasped these compounds to develop innovative therapeutic and diagnostic nanosystems. The applications of fucoidans in nanomedicine as imaging agents, drug carriers or for their intrinsic properties are reviewed here after a short presentation of the main structural data and biological properties of fucoidans. The origin and the physicochemical specifications of fucoidans are summarized in order to discuss the strategy of fucoidan-containing nanosystems in Human health. Currently, there is a need for reproducible, well characterized fucoidan fractions to ensure significant progress.

Therapies from Fucoidan: An Update

Fucoidans are a class of sulfated fucose-rich polysaccharides found in brown marine algae and echinoderms. Fucoidans have an attractive array of bioactivities and potential applications including immune modulation, cancer inhibition, and pathogen inhibition. Research into fucoidan has continued to gain pace over the last few years and point towards potential therapeutic or adjunct roles. The source, extraction, characterization and detection of fucoidan is discussed.

Evaluating the antibacterial property of gold-coated hydroxyapatite: a molecular biological approach

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAP NPs) are one of the widely used biocompatible materials. However, information about the reaction between HAP NPs and microorganisms is insufficient. This paper aims to understand the antibacterial property of a new nanocomposite consisting of gold-coated HAP and alginate polymer (namely, Au-HAP@Alg NPs). To the best of our knowledge, we reported the first information regarding to MIC (25mg/mL), DIZ (no visible zone), and IC50 (0.5mg/mL) of Au-HAP@Alg NPs toward the microorganism Escherichia coli TOP10. The real-time gene expression levels of polA, polB, cyd, mdoG, GAPDH, and 16S rRNA were maintained at stable levels up until conditions of 2.5mg/mL Au-HAP@Alg NPs. The results showed that 16S rRNA can be a good reference under these conditions. The expressions of GAPDH, cyd, and mdoG were inhibited obviously under condition of 10mg/mL of Au-HAP@Alg NPs. Our results indicated that the possible antibacterial mechanism of Au-HAP@Alg was through the interaction with these carbohydrate and cell wall-related genes. This novel biocompatible and antibacterial material can potentially be applied in medical and environmental fields.

Brown seaweed fucoidan: biological activity and apoptosis, growth signaling mechanism in cancer

Seaweeds, being abundant sources of bioactive components have much interest in recent times. The complex polysaccharides from the brown, red and green seaweeds possess broad spectrum therapeutic properties. The sulfated polysaccharides are routinely used in biomedical research and have known biological activities. Fucoidan, a fucose-rich polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed has various biological functions including anticancer effects. Cellular damage induces growth arrest and tumor suppression by inducing apoptosis, the mechanism of cell death depends on the magnitude of DNA damage following exposure to anticancer agents. Apoptosis is mainly regulated by cell growth signaling molecules. Number of research studies evidenced that fucoidan shown to induce cytotoxicity of various cancer cells, induces apoptosis, and inhibits invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis of cancer cells. There are few articles discussing on fucoidan biological activity but no specific review on cancer and its signaling mechanism. Hence, this review discusses the brown seaweed fucoidan structure and some biological function and role in apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis and growth signal mechanism on cancer.