Osseointegrative properties of electrospun hydroxyapatite-containing nanofibrous chitosan scaffolds

A biomimetic in situ mineralization ECM composite scaffold to promote endogenous bone regeneration

Bone tissue engineering scaffolds constructed from single-component organic materials have inherent limitations. Inspired by the hierarchical structure of physiological natural bone hard tissues, our research explores the construction of organic-inorganic composite scaffold for bone regeneration. In this study, we used a natural and readily obtainable extracellular matrix (ECM) material, i.e., decellularized small intestinal submucosa (SIS), to build the organic component of a phosphorylated hydroxyapatite nanocrystal-containing composite scaffold (nHA@SIS). Guided by polymer-induced liquid-precursor theory, we introduced a soluble inorganic mineralization solution to achieve an inorganic component of nHA@SIS. Using in situ mineralization, we successfully formed inorganic component within SIS and constructed nHA@SIS composite scaffold. We analyzed the physicochemical properties and the osteogenic role of nHA@SIS via a series of in vitro and in vivo studies. Compared with SIS scaffold, the nHA@SIS possessed suitable physicochemical properties, maintained the excellent cell activity of SIS and better guided reorganization of the cell skeleton, thereby achieving superior osteoconductivity and maintaining osteoinductivity at the protein and gene levels. Furthermore, the rat cranial defect area in the nHA@SIS scaffold group was mostly repaired after 12 weeks of implantation, with a larger amount of higher-density new bone tissue being visible at the edge and center than SIS and blank control group. This significantly improved in vivo osteogenic ability indicated the great potential of nHA@SIS for bone tissue engineering applications.

Potential applications of medicinal herbs and phytochemicals in oral and dental health: Status quo and future perspectives

OBJECTIVE

Herbal therapies are utilized to treat a broad diversity of diseases all over the globe. Although no clinical studies have been conducted to demonstrate the antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiplaque characteristics of these plants, this does not imply that they are ineffectual as periodontal treatments or anti-cariogenic drugs. However, there is a scarcity of research confirming their efficacy and worth.

SUBJECT

Herbs are utilized in dentistry as antimicrobial, antineoplastic, antiseptic, antioxidant, and analgesics agents as well as for the elimination of bad breath. In addition, the application of herbal agents in tissue engineering improved the regeneration of oral and dental tissues. This study reviews the application of medicinal herbs for the treatment of dental and oral diseases in different aspects.

METHODS

This article focuses on current developments in the use of medicinal herbs and phytochemicals in oral and dental health. An extensive literature review was conducted via an Internet database, mostly PubMed. The articles included full-text publications written in English without any restrictions on a date.

CONCLUSION

Plants have been suggested, as an alternate remedy for oral-dental problems, and this vocation needs long-term dependability. More research on herbal medicine potential as pharmaceutical sources and/or therapies is needed.

The Diamond Concept Enigma: Recent Trends of Its Implementation in Cross-linked Chitosan-Based Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

An increasing number of publications over the past ten years have focused on the development of chitosan-based cross-linked scaffolds to regenerate bone tissue. The design of biomaterials for bone tissue engineering applications relies heavily on the ideals set forth by a polytherapy approach called the "Diamond Concept". This methodology takes into consideration the mechanical environment, scaffold properties, osteogenic and angiogenic potential of cells, and benefits of osteoinductive mediator encapsulation. The following review presents a comprehensive summarization of recent trends in chitosan-based cross-linked scaffold development within the scope of the Diamond Concept, particularly for nonload-bearing bone repair. A standardized methodology for material characterization, along with assessment of in vitro and in vivo potential for bone regeneration, is presented based on approaches in the literature, and future directions of the field are discussed.

The advances in nanomedicine for bone and cartilage repair

With the gradual demographic shift toward an aging and obese society, an increasing number of patients are suffering from bone and cartilage injuries. However, conventional therapies are hindered by the defects of materials, failing to adequately stimulate the necessary cellular response to promote sufficient cartilage regeneration, bone remodeling and osseointegration. In recent years, the rapid development of nanomedicine has initiated a revolution in orthopedics, especially in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, due to their capacity to effectively stimulate cellular responses on a nanoscale with enhanced drug loading efficiency, targeted capability, increased mechanical properties and improved uptake rate, resulting in an improved therapeutic effect. Therefore, a comprehensive review of advancements in nanomedicine for bone and cartilage diseases is timely and beneficial. This review firstly summarized the wide range of existing nanotechnology applications in the medical field. The progressive development of nano delivery systems in nanomedicine, including nanoparticles and biomimetic techniques, which are lacking in the current literature, is further described. More importantly, we also highlighted the research advancements of nanomedicine in bone and cartilage repair using the latest preclinical and clinical examples, and further discussed the research directions of nano-therapies in future clinical practice.

Fabrication and applications of bioactive chitosan-based organic-inorganic hybrid materials: A review

Organic-inorganic hybrid materials like bone, shells, and teeth can be found in nature, which are usually composed of biomacromolecules and nanoscale inorganic ingredients. Synergy of organic-inorganic components in hybrid materials render them outstanding and versatile performance. Chitosan is commonly used organic materials in bionic hybrid materials since its bioactive properties and could be controllable tailored by various means to meet complex conditions in different applications. Among these fabrication means, hybridization was favored for its convenience and efficiency. This review discusses three kinds of chitosan-based hybrid materials: hybridized with hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate, and clay respectively, which are the representative of phosphate, carbonate, and hydrous aluminosilicates. Here, we reported the latest developments of the preparation methods, composition, structure and applications of these bioactive hybrid materials, especially in the biomedical field. Despite the great progress was made in bioactive organic-inorganic hybrid materials based on chitosan, some challenges and specific directions are still proposed for future development in this review.

Metformin-Incorporated Gelatin/Hydroxyapatite Nanofiber Scaffold for Bone Regeneration

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine has gradually evolved as a promising therapeutic strategy to the modern health care of aging and diseased population. In this study, we developed a novel nanofibrous scaffold and verified its application in the critical bone defect regeneration. The metformin-incorporated nano-gelatin/hydroxyapatite fibers (NGF) was produced by electrospinning, cross-linked, and then characterized by X-ray powder diffractometer and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Cytotoxicity, cell adhesion, cell differentiation, and quantitative osteogenic gene and protein expression were analyzed by bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) from rat. Rat forearm critical bone defect model was performed for the in vivo study. The NGF were characterized by their porous structures with proper interconnectivity without significant cytotoxic effects; the adhesion of BMSCs on the NGF could be enhanced. The osteogenic gene and protein expression were upregulated. Postimplantation, the new regenerated bone in bone defect was well demonstrated in the NGF samples. We demonstrated that the metformin-incorporated NGF greatly improved healing potential on the critical-size bone defect. Although metformin-incorporated NGF had advantageous effectiveness during bone regeneration, further validation is required before it can be applied to clinical applications. Impact statement Bone is the structure that supports the rest of the human body. Critical-size bone defect hinders the regeneration of damaged bone tissues and compromises the mechanical strength of the skeletal system. Characterized by their porous structures with proper interconnectivity, the electrospinning nano-gelatin/hydroxyapatite fibrous scaffold developed in this study can greatly improve the healing potential on the critical-size bone defect. Further validation can validate its potential clinical applications.

OsteoBLAST: Computational Routine of Global Molecular Analysis Applied to Biomaterials Development

For bone purposes, surface modifications are a common trend in biomaterials research aiming to reduce the time necessary for osteointegration, culminating in faster recovery of patients. In this scenario, analysis of intracellular signaling pathways have emerged as an important and reliable strategy to predict biological responses from in vitro approaches. We have combined global analysis of intracellular protein phosphorylation, systems biology and bioinformatics into an early biomaterial analysis routine called OsteoBLAST. We employed the routine as follows: the PamChip tyrosine kinase assay was applied to mesenchymal stem cells grown on three distinct titanium surfaces: machined, dual acid-etched and nanoHA. Then, OsteoBLAST was able to identify the most reliable spots to further obtain the differential kinome profile and finally to allow a comparison among the different surfaces. Thereafter, NetworKIN, STRING, and Cytoscape were used to build and analyze a supramolecular protein-protein interaction network, and DAVID tools identified biological signatures in the differential kinome for each surface.

The role of nanohydroxyapatite on the morphological, physical, and biological properties of chitosan nanofibers

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp) particles on the morphological, chemical, physical, and biological properties of chitosan electrospun nanofibers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

nHAp particles with a 1.67 Ca/P ratio were synthesized via the aqueous precipitation method, incorporated into chitosan polymer solution (0.5 wt%), and electrospun into nHAp-loaded fibers (ChHa fibers). Neat chitosan fibers (nHAp-free, Ch fibers) were used as the control. The electrospun fiber mats were characterized using morphological, topographical, chemical, thermal, and a range of biological (antibacterial, antibiofilm, cell viability, and alkaline phosphatase [ALP] activity) analyses. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

ChHa fibers demonstrated a bead-like morphology, with thinner (331 ± 110 nm) and smoother (Ra = 2.9 ± 0.3 μm) distribution as compared to the control fibers. Despite showing similar cell viability and ALP activity to Ch fibers, the ChHa fibers demonstrated greater antibacterial potential against most tested bacteria (except for P. intermedia), and higher antibiofilm activity against P. gingivalis biofilm.

CONCLUSIONS

The incorporation of nHAp particles did not jeopardize the overall morphology, topography, physical, and biological characteristics of the chitosan nanofibers.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The combination of nHAp particles with chitosan can be used to engineer bioactive, electrospun composite nanofibers with potential applications in regenerative dentistry.

Advances of nanomaterial applications in oral and maxillofacial tissue regeneration and disease treatment

Using bioactive nanomaterials in clinical treatment has been widely aroused. Nanomaterials provide substantial improvements in the prevention and treatment of oral and maxillofacial diseases. This review aims to discuss new progresses in nanomaterials applied to oral and maxillofacial tissue regeneration and disease treatment, focusing on the use of nanomaterials in improving the quality of oral and maxillofacial healthcare, and discuss the perspectives of research in this arena. Details are provided on the tissue regeneration, wound healing, angiogenesis, remineralization, antitumor, and antibacterial regulation properties of nanomaterials including polymers, micelles, dendrimers, liposomes, nanocapsules, nanoparticles and nanostructured scaffolds, etc. Clinical applications of nanomaterials as nanocomposites, dental implants, mouthwashes, biomimetic dental materials, and factors that may interact with nanomaterials behaviors and bioactivities in oral cavity are addressed as well. In the last section, the clinical safety concerns of their usage as dental materials are updated, and the key knowledge gaps for future research with some recommendation are discussed. This article is categorized under: Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement.

Predifferentiated Gingival Stem Cell-Induced Bone Regeneration in Rat Alveolar Bone Defect Model

Cleft alveolus, a common birth defect of the maxillary bone, affects one in 700 live births every year. This defect is traditionally restored by autogenous bone grafts or allografts, which may possibly cause complications. Cell-based therapies using the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from human gingiva (gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells [GMSCs]) is attracting the research interest due to their highly proliferative and multilineage differentiation capacity. Undifferentiated GMSCs expressed high level of MSC-distinctive surface antigens, including CD73, CD105, CD90, and CD166. Importantly, GMSCs induced with osteogenic medium for a week increased the surface markers of osteogenic phenotypes, such as CD10, CD92, and CD140b, indicating their osteogenic potential. The objective of this study was to assess the bone regenerative efficacy of predifferentiated GMSCs (dGMSCs) toward an osteogenic lineage in combination with a self-assembling hydrogel scaffold PuraMatrix™ (PM) and/or bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), on a rodent model of maxillary alveolar bone defect. A critical size maxillary alveolar defect of 7 mm × 1 mm × 1 mm was surgically created in athymic nude rats. The defect was filled with either PM/BMP2 or PM/dGMSCs or the combination of three (PM/dGMSCs/BMP2) and the bone regeneration was evaluated at 4 and 8 weeks postsurgery. New bone formation was evaluated by microcomputed tomography and histology using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The results demonstrated the absence of spontaneous bone healing, either at 4 or 8 weeks postsurgery in the defect group. However, the PM/dGMSCs/BMP2 group showed significant enhancement in bone regeneration at 4 and 8 weeks postsurgery, compared with the transplantation of individual material/cells alone. Apart from developing the smallest critical size defect, results showed that PM/dGMSCs/BMP2 could serve as a promising option for the regeneration of bone in the cranio/maxillofacial region in humans.

Study on antibacterial properties and cytocompatibility of EPL coated 3D printed PCL/HA composite scaffolds

Biomaterial scaffolds play a critical role in bone tissue engineering. Moreover, 3D printing technology has enormous advantage in the manufacture of bioengineering scaffolds for patient-specific bone defect treatments. In order to provide an aseptic environment for bone regeneration, ε-poly-l-lysine (EPL), an antimicrobic cationic polypeptide, was used for surface modification of 3D printed polycaprolactone/hydroxyapatite (PCL/HA) scaffolds which were fabricated by fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. The scaffold morphology and micro-structure were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The release profile surface roughness, open porosity, and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were evaluated. Cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation potential and antibacterial properties were also examined. As a result, 3D printed PCL/HA scaffolds with interconnected pores showed a slightly rough surface and improved mechanical properties due to adding hydroxyapatite (HA) particles. After being modified by EPL, favorable biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of ε-poly-l-lysine/polycaprolactone/hydroxyapatite (EPL/PCL/HA) scaffolds were observed. Moreover, antibacterial activity of the EPL/PCL/HA scaffolds was apparent. As a consequence, the EPL/PCL/HA scaffolds had great potential for bone regeneration and prevention of infections. This would yield a patient-specific bioactive and antibacterial composite scaffold for advanced bone tissue engineering applications.

Applications of chitin and chitosan nanofibers in bone regenerative engineering

Promoting bone regeneration and repairing defects are urgent and critical challenges in orthopedic clinical practice. Research on bone substitute biomaterials is essential for improving the treatment strategies for bone regeneration. Chitin and its derivative, chitosan, are among the most abundant natural biomaterials and widely found in the shells of crustaceans. Chitin and chitosan are non-toxic, antibacterial, biocompatible, degradable, and have attracted significant attention in bone substitute biomaterials. Chitin/chitosan nanofibers and nanostructured scaffolds have large surface area to volume ratios and high porosities. These scaffolds can be fabricated by electrospinning, thermally induced phase separation and self-assembly, and are widely used in biomedical applications such as biological scaffolds, drug delivery, bacterial inhibition, and wound dressing. Recently, some chitin/chitosan-based nanofibrous scaffolds have been found structurally similar to bone's extracellular matrix and can assist in bone regeneration. This review outlines the biomedical applications and biological properties of chitin/chitosan-based nanofibrous scaffolds in bone tissue engineering.

Layer-by-layer electrospun membranes of polyurethane/silk fibroin based on mimicking of oral soft tissue for guided bone regeneration

Guided bone regeneration is an effective method that can enhance bone volume at a defect site of the mandible before material implantation. Layer-by-layer electrospun membranes of polyurethane/silk fibroin (SF) were fabricated to mimic oral soft tissue. The electrospun polyurethane fibers were initially fabricated into a membrane. Next, the polyurethane layer was covered with electrospun SF fibers at different thicknesses. Then, the SF layer was covered with electrospun polyurethane fibers. Afterward, the morphologies of the membranes were observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The physical properties of the membranes were evaluated from the contact angle and mechanical properties. The biological performances were evaluated by observing cell adhesion, viability and proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and calcium content. The results demonstrated that the membrane with a thin SF core showed better physical properties and mechanical performance than the thicker SF cores. Finally, the results deduced that the membrane with a thin SF core was promising for guided bone regeneration.

Advancements and frontiers in nano-based 3D and 4D scaffolds for bone and cartilage tissue engineering

Given the enormous increase in the risks of bone and cartilage defects with the rise in the aging population, the current treatments available are insufficient for handling this burden, and the supply of donor organs for transplantation is limited. Therefore, tissue engineering is a promising approach for treating such defects. Advances in materials research and high-tech optimized fabrication of scaffolds have increased the efficiency of tissue engineering. Electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds and hydrogel scaffolds mimic the native extracellular matrix of bone, providing a support for bone and cartilage tissue engineering by increasing cell viability, adhesion, propagation, and homing, and osteogenic isolation and differentiation, vascularization, host integration, and load bearing. The use of these scaffolds with advanced three- and four-dimensional printing technologies has enabled customized bone grafting. In this review, we discuss the different approaches used for cartilage and bone tissue engineering.

Sinapic acid-loaded chitosan nanoparticles in polycaprolactone electrospun fibers for bone regeneration in vitro and in vivo

Sinapic acid (SA) is a plant-derived phenolic compound known for its multiple biological properties, but its role in the promotion of bone formation is not yet well-studied. Moreover, the delivery of SA is hindered by its complex hydrophobic nature, limiting its bioavailability. In this study, we fabricated a drug delivery system using chitosan nanoparticles (nCS) loaded with SA at different concentrations. These were incorporated into polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers via an electrospinning method. nCS loaded with 50 μM SA in PCL fibers promoted osteoblast differentiation. Furthermore, SA treatment activated the osteogenesis signaling pathways in mouse mesenchymal stem cells. A critical-sized rat calvarial bone defect model system identified that the inclusion of SA into PCL/nCS fibers accelerated bone formation. Collectively, these data suggest that SA promoted osteoblast differentiation in vitro and bone formation in vivo, possibly by activating the TGF-β1/BMP/Smads/Runx2 signaling pathways, suggesting SA might have therapeutic benefits in bone regeneration.

Dental pulp stem cells in chitosan/gelatin scaffolds for enhanced orofacial bone regeneration

OBJECTIVE

Biomimetic chitosan/gelatin (CS/Gel) scaffolds have attracted great interest in tissue engineering of several tissues. However, limited information exists regarding the potential of combining CS/Gel scaffolds with oral cells, such as dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), to produce customized constructs targeting alveolar/orofacial bone reconstruction, which has been the aim of the present study.

METHODS

Two scaffold types, designated as CS/Gel-0.1 and CS/Gel-1, were fabricated using 0.1 and 1% (v/v) respectively of the crosslinker glutaraldehyde (GTA). Scaffolds (n=240) were seeded with DPSCs with/without pre-exposure to recombinant human BMP-2. In vitro assessment included DPSCs characterization (flow cytometry), evaluation of viability/proliferation (live/dead staining, metabolic-based tests), osteo/odontogenic gene expression analysis (qRT-PCR) and structural/chemical characterization (scanning electron microscopy, SEM; energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, EDX; X-ray powder diffraction, XRD; thermogravimetry, TG). In vivo assessment included implantation of DPSC-seeded scaffolds in immunocompromised mice, followed by histology and SEM-EDX. Statistical analysis employed one/two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests (significance for p<0.05).

RESULTS

Both scaffolds supported cell viability/proliferation over 14 days in culture, showing extensive formation of a hydroxyapatite-rich nanocrystalline calcium phosphate phase. Differential expression patterns indicated GTA concentration to significantly affect the expression of osteo/odontogenic genes, with CS/Gel-0.1 scaffolds being more effective in upregulating DSPP, IBSP and Osterix. In vivo analysis demonstrated time-dependent production of a nanocrystalline, mineralized matrix at 6, 8 and 10 weeks, being more prominent in constructs bearing rhBMP-2 pre-treated cells. The latter showed higher amounts of osteoid and fully mineralized bone, as well as empty space reduction.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results reveal a promising strategy for orofacial bone tissue engineering.

Importance of crosslinking strategies in designing smart biomaterials for bone tissue engineering: A systematic review

Biomaterials are of significant importance in biomedical applications as these biological macromolecules have moderately replaced classical tissue grafting techniques owing to its beneficial properties. Despite of its favourable advantages, poor mechanical and degradative properties of biomaterials are of great concern. To this regard, crosslinkers have emerged as a smart and promising tool to augment the biological functionality of biopolymers. Different crosslinkers have been extensively used in past decades to develop bone substitutes, but the implications of toxic response and adverse reactions are truly precarious after implantation. Traditional crosslinker like glutaraldehyde has been widely used in numerous bio-implants but the potential toxicity is largely being debated with many disproving views. As alternative, green chemicals, enzymatic and non-enzymatic chemicals, bi-functional epoxies, zero-length crosslinkers and physical crosslinkers have been introduced to achieve the desired properties of a bone substitute. In this review, systematic literature search was performed on PubMed database to identify the most commonly used crosslinkers for developing promising bone like materials. The relevant articles were identified, analysed and reviewed in this paper giving due importance to different crosslinking methodologies and comparing their effectiveness and efficacy in regard to material composition, scaffold production, crosslinker dosage, toxicity and immunogenicity. This review summarizes the recent developments in crosslinking mechanism with an emphasis placed on their ability to link proteins through bonding reactions. Finally, this study also covers the convergent and divergent methodologies of crosslinking strategies also giving special importance in retrieving the current limitations and future opportunities of crosslinking modalities in bone tissue engineering.

A Bilayered Poly (Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) Scaffold Provides Differential Cues for the Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells

IMPACT STATEMENT

In this article we used an FDA-approved biodegradable biomaterial, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA 75:25) to generate a bilayered scaffold with the capacity to induce differential, layer-specific dentinogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in vitro. We surmise that such a scaffold can be used in conjunction with current regenerative endodontic procedures to help regenerating a physiologic dentin-pulp complex in vivo. We hypothesize that our scaffold in conjunction with DPSCs will advance current regenerative endodontics by restoring dentin and initiating the innervation and revascularization of the pulp.

Plants and Their Bioactive Constituents in Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Periodontal Regeneration: A Novel Prospective

Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease, which causes the destruction of both the soft and mineralized tissues. However, current treatments such as bone graft materials, barrier membranes, and protein products all have difficulties in regenerating the complete periodontal tissue structure. Stem cell-based tissue engineering has now emerged as one of the most effective treatments for the patients suffering from periodontal diseases. Plants not only can be substrates for life processes, but also contain hormones or functional molecules. Numbers of preclinical studies have revealed that products from plant can be successfully applied in modulating proliferation and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. Plant-derived substances can induce stem cells osteogenic differentiation, and they also possess angiogenic potency. Furthermore, in the field of tissue engineering, plant-derived compounds or plant extracts can be incorporated with biomaterials or utilized as biomaterials for cell transplantation. So it is speculated that botanical products may become a new perspective in stem cell-based periodontal regeneration. However, the lack of achieving predict clinical efficacy and quality control has been the major impediment to its extensive application. This review gives an overview of the prospect of applying different plant-derived substances in various human mesenchymal stem cells-based periodontal regeneration.

In Vivo Investigation into Effectiveness of Fe₃O₄/PLLA Nanofibers for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications

Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were loaded into poly-l-lactide (PLLA) with concentrations of 2% and 5%, respectively, using an electrospinning method. In vivo animal experiments were then performed to evaluate the potential of the Fe₃O₄/PLLA nanofibrous material for bone tissue engineering applications. Bony defects with a diameter of 4 mm were prepared in rabbit tibias. Fe₃O₄/PLLA nanofibers were grafted into the drilled defects and histological examination and computed tomography (CT) image detection were performed after an eight-week healing period. The histological results showed that the artificial bony defects grafted with Fe₃O₄/PLLA nanofibers exhibited a visibly higher bone healing activity than those grafted with neat PLLA. In addition, the quantitative results from CT images revealed that the bony defects grafted with 2% and 5% Fe₃O₄/PLLA nanofibers, respectively, showed 1.9- and 2.3-fold increases in bone volume compared to the control blank sample. Overall, the results suggest that the Fe₃O₄/PLLA nanofibers fabricated in this study may serve as a useful biomaterial for future bone tissue engineering applications.

Silk Fibroin-Alginate-Hydroxyapatite Composite Particles in Bone Tissue Engineering Applications In Vivo

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo bone regeneration capability of alginate (AL), AL/hydroxyapatite (HA), and AL/HA/silk fibroin (SF) composites. Forty Sprague Dawley rats were used for the animal experiments. Central calvarial bone (diameter: 8.0 mm) defects were grafted with AL, AL/HA, or AL/HA/SF. New bone formation was evaluated by histomorphometric analysis. To demonstrate the immunocompatibility of each group, the level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression was studied by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) at eight weeks post implantation. Additionally, osteogenic markers, such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and Runt-related transcription factor (Runx2) were evaluated by qPCR or IHC at eight weeks post implantation. The AL/HA/SF group showed significantly higher new bone formation than did the control group (p = 0.044) and the AL group (p = 0.035) at four weeks post implantation. Additionally, the AL/HA/SF group showed lower relative TNF-α mRNA levels and higher FGF-23 mRNA levels than the other groups did at eight weeks post implantation. IHC results demonstrated that the AL/HA/SF group had lower TNF-α expression and higher OPG and Runx2 expression at eight weeks post implantation. Additionally, no evidence of the inflammatory reaction or giant cell formation was observed around the residual graft material. We concluded that the AL/HA/SF composite could be effective as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

Versatility of Chitosan-Based Biomaterials and Their Use as Scaffolds for Tissue Regeneration

Chitosan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide obtained from chitin, present in abundance in the exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects. It has aroused great interest as a biomaterial for tissue engineering on account of its biocompatibility and biodegradation and its affinity for biomolecules. A significant number of research groups have investigated the application of chitosan as scaffolds for tissue regeneration. However, there is a wide variability in terms of physicochemical characteristics of chitosan used in some studies and its combinations with other biomaterials, making it difficult to compare results and standardize its properties. The current systematic review of literature on the use of chitosan for tissue regeneration consisted of a study of 478 articles in the PubMed database, which resulted, after applying inclusion criteria, in the selection of 61 catalogued, critically analysed works. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of chitosan-based biomaterials in 93.4% of the studies reviewed, whether or not combined with cells and growth factors, in the regeneration of various types of tissues in animals. However, the absence of clinical studies in humans, the inadequate experimental designs, and the lack of information concerning chitosan's characteristics limit the reproducibility and relevance of studies and the clinical applicability of chitosan.

The performance of bone tissue engineering scaffolds in in vivo animal models: A systematic review

Bone tissue engineering is an excellent alternative for the regeneration of large bone defects caused by trauma or bone pathologies. Scaffolds, stem cells, and bioactive molecules are the three key components of bone regeneration. Although a wide range of biomaterials of various compositions and structures has been proposed in the literature, these materials are rarely used in clinical applications. Therefore, more standardized studies are required to design scaffolds that enable better bone regeneration and are suitable for clinical use. The aim of this systematic review was to compare the performance of scaffolds used in preclinical animal studies to determine which class of materials has achieved a higher rate of bone neoformation (osteoinduction and osteoconduction). The selected studies were divided into three groups according to the following experimental models: studies that used subcutaneous models, bone defects in calvaria, and bone defects in long bones. Despite the large number of parameters in the included studies, we generally concluded that biomaterials containing calcium phosphates had important osteoinductive effects and were essential for better performance of the materials. Furthermore, natural polymers generally had better performance than synthetic polymers did, especially when the materials were associated with stem cells. The combination of materials from different classes was the most promising strategy for bone tissue regeneration.

Genipin-Crosslinked Chitosan Gels and Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering and Regeneration of Cartilage and Bone

The present review article intends to direct attention to the technological advances made since 2009 in the area of genipin-crosslinked chitosan (GEN-chitosan) hydrogels. After a concise introduction on the well recognized characteristics of medical grade chitosan and food grade genipin, the properties of GEN-chitosan obtained with a safe, spontaneous and irreversible chemical reaction, and the quality assessment of the gels are reviewed. The antibacterial activity of GEN-chitosan has been well assessed in the treatment of gastric infections supported by Helicobacter pylori. Therapies based on chitosan alginate crosslinked with genipin include stem cell transplantation, and development of contraction free biomaterials suitable for cartilage engineering. Collagen, gelatin and other proteins have been associated to said hydrogels in view of the regeneration of the cartilage. Viability and proliferation of fibroblasts were impressively enhanced upon addition of poly-l-lysine. The modulation of the osteocytes has been achieved in various ways by applying advanced technologies such as 3D-plotting and electrospinning of biomimetic scaffolds, with optional addition of nano hydroxyapatite to the formulations. A wealth of biotechnological advances and know-how has permitted reaching outstanding results in crucial areas such as cranio-facial surgery, orthopedics and dentistry. It is mandatory to use scaffolds fully characterized in terms of porosity, pore size, swelling, wettability, compressive strength, and degree of acetylation, if the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells is sought: in fact, the novel characteristics imparted by GEN-chitosan must be simultaneously of physico-chemical and cytological nature. Owing to their high standard, the scientific publications dated 2010-2015 have met the expectations of an interdisciplinary audience.

Improved cellular infiltration in electrospun fiber via engineered porosity

Small pore sizes inherent to electrospun matrices can hinder efficient cellular ingrowth. To facilitate infiltration while retaining its extracellular matrix-like character, electrospinning was combined with salt leaching to produce a scaffold having deliberate, engineered delaminations. We made elegant use of a specific randomizing component of the electrospinning process, the Taylor Cone and the falling fiber beneath it, to produce a uniform, well-spread distribution of salt particles. After 3 weeks of culture, up to 4 mm of cellular infiltration was observed, along with cellular coverage of up to 70% within the delaminations. To our knowledge, this represents the first observation of extensive cellular infiltration of electrospun matrices. Infiltration appears to be driven primarily by localized proliferation rather than coordinated cellular locomotion. Cells also moved from the salt-generated porosity into the surrounding electrospun fiber matrix. Given that the details of salt deposition (amount, size, and number density) are far from optimized, the result provides a convincing illustration of the ability of mammalian cells to interact with appropriately tailored electrospun matrices. These layered structures can be precisely fabricated by varying the deposition interval and particle size conceivably to produce in vivo-like gradients in porosity such that the resulting scaffolds better resemble the desired final structure.