Using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres to encapsulate plasmid of bone morphogenetic protein 2/polyethylenimine nanoparticles to promote bone formation in vitro and in vivo

Comparative Efficiency of Gene-Activated Matrices Based on Chitosan Hydrogel and PRP Impregnated with BMP2 Polyplexes for Bone Regeneration

Gene therapy is one of the most promising approaches in regenerative medicine. Gene-activated matrices provide stable gene expression and the production of osteogenic proteins in situ to stimulate osteogenesis and bone repair. In this study, we developed new gene-activated matrices based on polylactide granules (PLA) impregnated with BMP2 polyplexes and included in chitosan hydrogel or PRP-based fibrin hydrogel. The matrices showed high biocompatibility both in vitro with mesenchymal stem cells and in vivo when implanted intramuscularly in rats. The use of porous PLA granules allowed the inclusion of a high concentration of polyplexes, and the introduction of the granules into hydrogel provided the gradual release of the plasmid constructs. All gene-activated matrices showed transfecting ability and ensured long-term gene expression and the production of target proteins in vitro. At the same time, the achieved concentration of BMP-2 was sufficient to induce osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. When implanted into critical-size calvarial defects in rats, all matrices with BMP2 polyplexes led to new bone formation. The most significant effect on osteoinduction was observed for the PLA/PRP matrices. Thus, the developed gene-activated matrices were shown to be safe and effective osteoplastic materials. PLA granules and PRP-based fibrin hydrogel containing BMP2 polyplexes were shown to be the most promising for future applications in bone regeneration.

Gene-Activated Matrix with Self-Assembly Anionic Nano-Device Containing Plasmid DNAs for Rat Cranial Bone Augmentation

We have developed nanoballs, a biocompatible self-assembly nano-vector based on electrostatic interactions that arrange anionic macromolecules to polymeric nanomaterials to create nucleic acid carriers. Nanoballs exhibit low cytotoxicity and high transfection efficiently in vivo. This study investigated whether a gene-activated matrix (GAM) composed of nanoballs containing plasmid (p) DNAs encoding bone morphogenetic protein 4 (pBMP4) could promote bone augmentation with a small amount of DNA compared to that composed of naked pDNAs. We prepared nanoballs (BMP4-nanoballs) constructed with pBMP4 and dendrigraft poly-L-lysine (DGL, a cationic polymer) coated by γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA; an anionic polymer), and determined their biological functions in vitro and in vivo. Next, GAMs were manufactured by mixing nanoballs with 2% atelocollagen and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) granules and lyophilizing them for bone augmentation. The GAMs were then transplanted to rat cranial bone surfaces under the periosteum. From the initial stage, infiltrated macrophages and mesenchymal progenitor cells took up the nanoballs, and their anti-inflammatory and osteoblastic differentiations were promoted over time. Subsequently, bone augmentation was clearly recognized for up to 8 weeks in transplanted GAMs containing BMP4-nanoballs. Notably, only 1 μg of BMP4-nanoballs induced a sufficient volume of new bone, while 1000 μg of naked pDNAs were required to induce the same level of bone augmentation. These data suggest that applying this anionic vector to the appropriate matrices can facilitate GAM-based bone engineering.

BMP-2 Gene Delivery-Based Bone Regeneration in Dentistry

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) is a potent growth factor affecting bone formation. While recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) has been commercially available in cases of non-union fracture and spinal fusion in orthopaedics, it has also been applied to improve bone regeneration in challenging cases requiring dental implant treatment. However, complications related to an initially high dosage for maintaining an effective physiological concentration at the defect site have been reported, although an effective and safe rhBMP-2 dosage for bone regeneration has not yet been determined. In contrast to protein delivery, BMP-2 gene transfer into the defect site induces BMP-2 synthesis in vivo and leads to secretion for weeks to months, depending on the vector, at a concentration of nanograms per milliliter. BMP-2 gene delivery is advantageous for bone wound healing process in terms of dosage and duration. However, safety concerns related to viral vectors are one of the hurdles that need to be overcome for gene delivery to be used in clinical practice. Recently, commercially available gene therapy has been introduced in orthopedics, and clinical trials in dentistry have been ongoing. This review examines the application of BMP-2 gene therapy for bone regeneration in the oral and maxillofacial regions and discusses future perspectives of BMP-2 gene therapy in dentistry.

Modification of Titanium Implant and Titanium Dioxide for Bone Tissue Engineering

Bone tissue engineering using titanium (Ti) implant and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) with their modification is gaining increasing attention. Ti has been adopted as an implant material in dental and orthopedic fields due to its superior properties. However, it still requires modification in order to achieve robust osteointegration between the Ti implant and surrounding bone. To modify the Ti implant, numerous methods have been introduced to fabricate porous implant surfaces with a variety of coating materials. Among these, plasma spraying of hydroxyapatite (HA) has been the most commonly used with commercial success. Meanwhile, TiO₂ nanotubes have been actively studied as the coating material for implants, and promising results have been reported about improving osteogenic activity around implants recently. Also porous three-dimensional constructs based on TiO₂ have been proposed as scaffolding material with high biocompatibility and osteoconductivity in large bone defects. However, the use of the TiO₂ scaffolds in load-bearing environment is somewhat limited. In order to optimize the TiO₂ scaffolds, studies have tried to combine various materials with TiO₂ scaffolds including drug, mesenchymal stem cells, Al₂O₃-SiO₂ solid and HA. This article will shortly introduce the properties of Ti and Ti-based implants with their modification, and review the progress of bone tissue engineering using the TiO₂ nanotubes and scaffolds.

Biomaterial-based delivery systems of nucleic acid for regenerative research and regenerative therapy

Regenerative medicine is a new and promising medical method aiming at treating patients with defective or dysfunctional tissues by maintaining or enhancing the biological activity of cells. The development of biomaterial-based technologies, such as cell scaffolds and carriers for drug delivery system, are highly required to promote the regenerative research and regenerative therapy. Nucleic acids are one of the most feasible factors to efficiently modify the biological activity of cells. The effective and stable delivery of nucleic acids into cells is highly required to succeed in the modification. Biomaterials-based non-viral carriers or biological carriers, like exosomes, play an important role in the efficient delivery of nucleic acids. This review introduces the examples of regenerative research and regenerative therapy based on the delivery of nucleic acids with biomaterials technologies and emphasizes their importance to accomplish regenerative medicine.

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Modifying the activity of cells is important for regenerative medicine.

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Various nucleic acids regulate gene expression to modify the activity of cells.

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Intracellular delivery system is vital to the nucleic acids-based modification.

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Biomaterials are useful for the intracellular delivery of nucleic acids.

At the Intersection of Biomaterials and Gene Therapy: Progress in Non-viral Delivery of Nucleic Acids

Biomaterials play a critical role in technologies intended to deliver therapeutic agents in clinical settings. Recent explosion of our understanding of how cells utilize nucleic acids has garnered excitement to develop a range of older (e.g., antisense oligonucleotides, plasmid DNA and transposons) and emerging (e.g., short interfering RNA, messenger RNA and non-coding RNAs) nucleic acid agents for therapy of a wide range of diseases. This review will summarize biomaterials-centered advances to undertake effective utilization of nucleic acids for therapeutic purposes. We first review various types of nucleic acids and their unique abilities to deliver a range of clinical outcomes. Using recent advances in T-cell based therapy as a case in point, we summarize various possibilities for utilizing biomaterials to make an impact in this exciting therapeutic intervention technology, with the belief that this modality will serve as a therapeutic paradigm for other types of cellular therapies in the near future. We subsequently focus on contributions of biomaterials in emerging nucleic acid technologies, specifically focusing on the design of intelligent nanoparticles, deployment of mRNA as an alternative to plasmid DNA, long-acting (integrating) expression systems, and in vitro/in vivo expansion of engineered T-cells. We articulate the role of biomaterials in these emerging nucleic acid technologies in order to enhance the clinical impact of nucleic acids in the near future.

Enhancing regenerative approaches with nanoparticles

In this review, we discuss recent developments in the field of nanoparticles and their use in tissue regeneration approaches. Owing to their unique chemical properties and flexibility in design, nanoparticles can be used as drug delivery systems, to create novel features within materials or as bioimaging agents, or indeed these properties can be combined to create smart multifunctional structures. This review aims to provide an overview of this research field where the focus will be on nanoparticle-based strategies to stimulate bone regeneration; however, the same principles can be applied for other tissue and organ regeneration strategies. In the first section, nanoparticle-based methods for the delivery of drugs, growth factors and genetic material to promote tissue regeneration are discussed. The second section deals with the addition of nanoparticles to materials to create nanocomposites. Such materials can improve several material properties, including mechanical stability, biocompatibility and biological activity. The third section will deal with the emergence of a relatively new field of research using nanoparticles in advanced cell imaging and stem cell tracking approaches. As the development of nanoparticles continues, incorporation of this technology in the field of regenerative medicine will ultimately lead to new tools that can diagnose, track and stimulate the growth of new tissues and organs.

Sustained release poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres of bone morphogenetic protein 2 plasmid/calcium phosphate to promote in vitro bone formation and in vivo ectopic osteogenesis

Bone regeneration often requires continuous stimulation to promote local bone formation. In the present study, calcium phosphate (CaPi) was used to promote transfection of human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) cDNA plasmid, and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) was used to prepare microspheres of pBMP-2/CaPi (i.e., PLGA@pBMP-2/CaPi) using W/O/W double emulsion solvent evaporation method. We showed that PLGA@pBMP-2/CaPi microspheres were spherical with smooth surface, and the particle size ranged from 0.5 to 35 μm. Encapsulation efficiency was up to 30~50%. The release of BMP-2 cDNA from microspheres continued more than 30 days and constituted, less than 7.5% of total plasmid amount within the first 24 h. Real-time PCR results showed that co-culturing of PLGA@pBMP-2/CaPi with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) increased calcium deposition and gene expressions of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), SP7, and collagen type I (COLL I) in a time-dependent manner. Finally, X-ray analysis demonstrated that in vivo delivery of PLGA@pBMP-2/CaPi microspheres into the tibialis anterior muscles of rats promoted the generation of osteoblasts, bone tissue, and bone structure. The findings suggested that PLGA@pBMP-2/CaPi microspheres can promote ectopic osteogenesis in non-bone tissues, with strong prospects in promoting bone regeneration.

Bone Regeneration from PLGA Micro-Nanoparticles

Poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) is one of the most widely used synthetic polymers for development of delivery systems for drugs and therapeutic biomolecules and as component of tissue engineering applications. Its properties and versatility allow it to be a reference polymer in manufacturing of nano- and microparticles to encapsulate and deliver a wide variety of hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules. It additionally facilitates and extends its use to encapsulate biomolecules such as proteins or nucleic acids that can be released in a controlled way. This review focuses on the use of nano/microparticles of PLGA as a delivery system of one of the most commonly used growth factors in bone tissue engineering, the bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2). Thus, all the needed requirements to reach a controlled delivery of BMP2 using PLGA particles as a main component have been examined. The problems and solutions for the adequate development of this system with a great potential in cell differentiation and proliferation processes under a bone regenerative point of view are discussed.

The effect of synthetic α-tricalcium phosphate on osteogenic differentiation of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells

The reconstruction of large bone defects has been the focus in bone tissue engineering research. By acting as synthetic frameworks for cell growth and tissue formation, biomaterials can play a critical role in bone tissue engineering. Among various biomaterials, calcium phosphate based materials include hydroxyapatite (HA), α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP), and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) are widely used as scaffold materials in bone tissue engineering. However, little is known about the effect of α-TCP alone on the osteogenic differentiation of the BMSCs. To this end, we synthesized α-TCP using a novel co-precipitation method. The synthetic α-TCP was then incubated with rat BMSCs under osteogenic inductive medium culture conditions, followed by the analysis of the mRNA levels of various osteogenesis-related genes, including ALP, Rux2, COL-I, and SP7, using a quantitative RT-PCR method. Following incubation of BMSCs with 20 μg/ml α-TCP, cells reached confluency after 7 days. Additionally, the MTT analysis showed that α-TCP at concentration of 10-20 μg/ml had good biocompatibility with BMSCs, showing no significant inhibition of rat BMSCs proliferation. Furthermore, the synthetic α-TCP (20 μg/ml), when incubated with rat BMSCs in the osteogenic culture medium, increased the mRNA levels of various osteogenesis-related genes, including ALP, Rux2, COL-I, and SP7. Finally, treatment of synthetic α-TCP (20 μg/ml) potentiated calcium nodule formations after incubation with rat BMSCs in osteogenic culture medium for 21 days, as compared with non-treated control. Taken together, the results in the present study suggested that α-TCP alone likely promotes rat BMSCs osteogenic differentiation through up-regulating ALP, Col-I, Runx2, and SP7 gene expression.

Nanotechnology in bone tissue engineering

Nanotechnology represents a major frontier with potential to significantly advance the field of bone tissue engineering. Current limitations in regenerative strategies include impaired cellular proliferation and differentiation, insufficient mechanical strength of scaffolds, and inadequate production of extrinsic factors necessary for efficient osteogenesis. Here we review several major areas of research in nanotechnology with potential implications in bone regeneration: 1) nanoparticle-based methods for delivery of bioactive molecules, growth factors, and genetic material, 2) nanoparticle-mediated cell labeling and targeting, and 3) nano-based scaffold construction and modification to enhance physicochemical interactions, biocompatibility, mechanical stability, and cellular attachment/survival. As these technologies continue to evolve, ultimate translation to the clinical environment may allow for improved therapeutic outcomes in patients with large bone deficits and osteodegenerative diseases.

FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR

Traditionally, the reconstruction of bony defects has relied on the use of bone grafts. With advances in nanotechnology, there has been significant development of synthetic biomaterials. In this article, the authors provided a comprehensive review on current research in nanoparticle-based therapies for bone tissue engineering, which should be useful reading for clinicians as well as researchers in this field.

Bone Regeneration Using Bone Morphogenetic Proteins and Various Biomaterial Carriers

Trauma and disease frequently result in fractures or critical sized bone defects and their management at times necessitates bone grafting. The process of bone healing or regeneration involves intricate network of molecules including bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). BMPs belong to a larger superfamily of proteins and are very promising and intensively studied for in the enhancement of bone healing. More than 20 types of BMPs have been identified but only a subset of BMPs can induce de novo bone formation. Many research groups have shown that BMPs can induce differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and stem cells into osteogenic cells which are capable of producing bone. This review introduces BMPs and discusses current advances in preclinical and clinical application of utilizing various biomaterial carriers for local delivery of BMPs to enhance bone regeneration.

Cluster of Differentiation 44 Targeted Hyaluronic Acid Based Nanoparticles for MDR1 siRNA Delivery to Overcome Drug Resistance in Ovarian Cancer

PURPOSE

Approaches for the synthesis of biomaterials to facilitate the delivery of "biologics" is a major area of research in cancer therapy. Here we designed and characterized a hyaluronic acid (HA) based self-assembling nanoparticles that can target CD44 receptors overexpressed on multidrug resistance (MDR) ovarian cancer. The nanoparticle system is composed of HA-poly(ethyleneimine)/HA-poly(ethylene glycol) (HA-PEI/HA-PEG) designed to deliver MDR1 siRNA for the treatment of MDR in an ovarian cancer model.

METHODS

HA-PEI/HA-PEG nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized, then the cellular uptake and knockdown efficiency of HA-PEI/HA-PEG/MDR1 siRNA nanoparticles was further determined. A human xenograft MDR ovarian cancer model was established to evaluate the effects of the combination of HA-PEI/HA-PEG/MDR1 siRNA nanoparticles and paclitaxel on MDR tumor growth.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that HA-PEI/HA-PEG nanoparticles successfully targeted CD44 and delivered MDR1 siRNA into OVCAR8TR (established paclitaxel resistant) tumors. Additionally, HA-PEI/HA-PEG nanoparticles loaded with MDR1 siRNA efficiently down-regulated the expression of MDR1 and P-glycoprotein (Pgp), inhibited the functional activity of Pgp, and subsequently increased cell sensitivity to paclitaxel. HA-PEI/HA-PEG/MDR1 siRNA nanoparticle therapy followed by paclitaxel treatment inhibited tumor growth in MDR ovarian cancer mouse models.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that this CD44 targeted HA-PEI/HA-PEG nanoparticle platform may be a clinicaly relevant gene delivery system for systemic siRNA-based anticancer therapeutics for the treatment of MDR cancers.

Preparation and characterization of novel PBAE/PLGA polymer blend microparticles for DNA vaccine delivery

Context. Poly(beta-amino ester) (PBAE) with its pH sensitiveness and Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) with huge DNA cargo capacity in combination prove to be highly efficient as DNA delivery system. Objective. To study the effectiveness of novel synthesized PBAE polymer with PLGA blend at different ratios in DNA vaccine delivery. Methods. In the present study, multifunctional polymer blend microparticles using a combination of PLGA and novel PBAE polymers A1 (bis(3-(propionyloxy)propyl)3,3′-(propane-1,3-diyl-bis(methylazanediyl))dipropanoate) and A2 (bis(4-(propionyloxy)butyl)3,3′-(ethane-1,2-diyl-bis(isopropylazanediyl))dipropanoate) at different ratios (85 : 15, 75 : 25, and 50 : 50) were prepared by double emulsion solvent removal method. The microparticles were characterized for cytotoxicity, transfection efficiency, and DNA encapsulation efficiency. Result. It was evident from results that among the microparticles prepared with PLGA/PBAE blend the PLGA : PBAE at 85 : 15 ratio was found to be more effective combination than the microparticles prepared with PLGA alone in terms of transfection efficiency and better DNA integrity. Microparticles made of PLGA and PBAE A1 at 85 : 15 ratio, respectively, were found to be less toxic when compared with microparticles prepared with A2 polymer. Conclusion. The results encourage the use of the synthesized PBAE polymer in combination with PLGA as an effective gene delivery system.

Fabrication of an rhBMP-2 loaded porous β-TCP microsphere-hyaluronic acid-based powder gel composite and evaluation of implant osseointegration

Methods to improve osseointegration that include implantation of rhBMP-2 with various kinds of carriers are currently of considerable interest. The present study was conducted to evaluate if the rhBMP-2 loaded β-TCP microsphere-hyaluronic acid-based powder-like hydrogel composite (powder gel) can act as an effective rhBMP-2 carrier for implantation in host bone with a bone defect or poor bone quality. The release pattern for rhBMP-2 was then evaluated against an rhBMP-2-loaded collagen sponge as a control group. Dental implants were also inserted into the tibias of three groups of rabbits: an rhBMP-2 (200 µg) loaded powder gel composite implanted group, an implant only group, and a powder gel implanted group. Micro-CT and histology of the implanted areas were carried out four weeks later. The rhBMP-2 powder gel released less rhBMP-2 than the collagen sponge, but it continued a slow release for more than 7 days. The rhBMP-2 powder gel composite improved osseointegration of the dental implant by increasing the amount of new bone formation in the implant pitch and it improved the bone quality and bone quantity of new bone. The histology results indicated that the rhBMP-2 powder gel composite improved the osseointegration in the cortical bone as well as the marrow space along the fixture. The bone-to-implant contact ratio of the rhBMP-2 (200 µg) loaded powder gel composite implanted group was significantly higher than those of the implant only group and the powder gel implanted group. The powder gel appeared to be a good carrier and could release rhBMP-2 slowly to promote the formation of new bone following implantation in a bone defect, thereby improving implant osseointegration.

Bioactive coatings for orthopaedic implants-recent trends in development of implant coatings

Joint replacement is a major orthopaedic procedure used to treat joint osteoarthritis. Aseptic loosening and infection are the two most significant causes of prosthetic implant failure. The ideal implant should be able to promote osteointegration, deter bacterial adhesion and minimize prosthetic infection. Recent developments in material science and cell biology have seen the development of new orthopaedic implant coatings to address these issues. Coatings consisting of bioceramics, extracellular matrix proteins, biological peptides or growth factors impart bioactivity and biocompatibility to the metallic surface of conventional orthopaedic prosthesis that promote bone ingrowth and differentiation of stem cells into osteoblasts leading to enhanced osteointegration of the implant. Furthermore, coatings such as silver, nitric oxide, antibiotics, antiseptics and antimicrobial peptides with anti-microbial properties have also been developed, which show promise in reducing bacterial adhesion and prosthetic infections. This review summarizes some of the recent developments in coatings for orthopaedic implants.

Efficiently engineered cell sheet using a complex of polyethylenimine-alginate nanocomposites plus bone morphogenetic protein 2 gene to promote new bone formation

Regeneration of large bone defects is a common clinical problem. Recently, stem cell sheet has been an emerging strategy in bone tissue engineering. To enhance the osteogenic potential of stem cell sheet, we fabricated bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) gene-engineered cell sheet using a complex of polyethylenimine-alginate (PEI-al) nanocomposites plus human BMP-2 complementary(c)DNA plasmid, and studied its osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo. PEI-al nanocomposites carrying BMP-2 gene could efficiently transfect bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The cell sheet was made by culturing the cells in medium containing vitamin C for 10 days. Assays on the cell culture showed that the genetically engineered cells released the BMP-2 for at least 14 days. The expression of osteogenesis-related gene was increased, which demonstrated that released BMP-2 could effectively induce the cell sheet osteogenic differentiation in vitro. To further test the osteogenic potential of the cell sheet in vivo, enhanced green fluorescent protein or BMP-2-producing cell sheets were treated on the cranial bone defects. The results indicated that the BMP-2-producing cell sheet group was more efficient than other groups in promoting bone formation in the defect area. Our results suggested that PEI-al nanocomposites efficiently deliver the BMP-2 gene to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and that BMP-2 gene-engineered cell sheet is an effective way for promoting bone regeneration.