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

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.

Evaluation of MxOy/fucoidan hybrid system and their application in lipase immobilization process

In this work, new M_xO_y/fucoidan hybrid systems were fabricated and applied in lipase immobilization. Magnesium (MgO) and zirconium (ZrO₂) oxides were used as M_xO_y inorganic matrices. In the first step, the proposed oxides were functionalized with fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus (Fuc). The obtained MgO/Fuc and ZrO₂/Fuc hybrids were characterized by means of spectroscopic analyses, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis was performed to determine the thermal stability of the hybrids. Based on the results, the mechanism of interaction between the oxide supports and fucoidan was also determined. Furthermore, the fabricated M_xO_y/fucoidan hybrid materials were used as supports for the immobilization of lipase from Aspergillus niger, and a model reaction (transformation of p-nitrophenyl palmitate to p-nitrophenol) was performed to determine the catalytic activity of the proposed biocatalytic system. In that reaction, the immobilized lipase exhibited high apparent and specific activity (145.5 U/g_catalyst and 1.58 U/mg_enzyme for lipase immobilized on MgO/Fuc; 144.0 U/g_catalyst and 2.03 U/mg_enzyme for lipase immobilized on ZrO₂/Fuc). The immobilization efficiency was also confirmed using spectroscopic analyses (FTIR and XPS) and confocal microscopy.

Fucoidan (Undaria pinnatifida)/Polydopamine Composite-Modified Surface Promotes Osteogenic Potential of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells

Fucoidan, a marine-sulfated polysaccharide derived from brown algae, has been recently spotlighted as a natural biomaterial for use in bone formation and regeneration. Current research explores the osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties of fucoidan-based composites for bone tissue engineering applications. The utility of fucoidan in a bone tissue regeneration environment necessitates a better understanding of how fucoidan regulates osteogenic processes at the molecular level. Therefore, this study designed a fucoidan and polydopamine (PDA) composite-based film for use in a culture platform for periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and explored the prominent molecular pathways induced during osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs through transcriptome profiling. Characterization of the fucoidan/PDA-coated culture polystyrene surface was assessed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The osteogenic differentiation of the PDLSCs cultured on the fucoidan/PDA composite was examined through alkaline phosphatase activity, intracellular calcium levels, matrix mineralization assay, and analysis of the mRNA and protein expression of osteogenic markers. RNA sequencing was performed to identify significantly enriched and associated molecular networks. The culture of PDLSCs on the fucoidan/PDA composite demonstrated higher osteogenic potency than that on the control surface. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (n = 348) were identified during fucoidan/PDA-induced osteogenic differentiation by RNA sequencing. The signaling pathways enriched in the DEGs include regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and Ras-related protein 1 and phosphatidylinositol signaling. These pathways represent cell adhesion and cytoskeleton organization functions that are significantly involved in the osteogenic process. These results suggest that a fucoidan/PDA composite promotes the osteogenic potential of PDLSCs by activation of critical molecular pathways.

Recent trends in natural polysaccharide based bioinks for multiscale 3D printing in tissue regeneration: A review

Biofabrication by three-dimensional (3D) printing has been an attractive technology in harnessing the possibility to print anatomical shaped native tissues with controlled architecture and resolution. 3D printing offers the possibility to reproduce complex microarchitecture of native tissues by printing live cells in a layer by layer deposition to provide a biomimetic structural environment for tissue formation and host tissue integration. Plant based biomaterials derived from green and sustainable sources have represented to emulate native physicochemical and biological cues in order to direct specific cellular response and formation of new tissues through biomolecular recognition patterns. This comprehensive review aims to analyze and identify the most commonly used plant based bioinks for 3D printing applications. An overview on the role of different plant based biomaterial of terrestrial origin (Starch, Nanocellulose and Pectin) and marine origin (Ulvan, Alginate, Fucoidan, Agarose and Carrageenan) used for 3D printing applications are discussed elaborately. Furthermore, this review will also emphasis in the functional aspects of different 3D printers, appropriate printing material, merits and demerits of numerous plant based bioinks in developing 3D printed tissue-like constructs. Additionally, the underlying potential benefits, limitations and future perspectives of plant based bioinks for tissue engineering (TE) applications are also discussed.

Preparation of a Fucoidan-Grafted Hyaluronan Composite Hydrogel for the Induction of Osteoblast Differentiation in Osteoblast-Like Cells

A suitable bone substitute is necessary in bone regenerative medicine. Hyaluronan (HA) has excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability and is widely used in tissue engineering. Additionally, research on fucoidan (Fu), a fucose- and sulfate-rich polysaccharide from brown seaweed, for the promotion of bone osteogenic differentiation has increased exponentially. In this study, HA and Fu were functionalized by grafting methacrylic groups onto the backbone of the chain. Methacrylate-hyaluronan (MHA) and methacrylate-fucoidan (MFu) were characterized by FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy to confirm functionalization. The degrees of methacrylation (DMs) of MHA and MFu were 9.2% and 98.6%, respectively. Furthermore, we evaluated the mechanical properties of the hydrogels formed from mixtures of photo-crosslinkable MHA (1%) with varying concentrations of MFu (0%, 0.5%, and 1%). There were no changes in the hardness values of the hydrogels, but the elastic modulus decreased upon the addition of MFu, and these mechanical properties were not significantly different with or without preosteoblastic MG63 cell culture for up to 28 days. Furthermore, the cell morphologies and viabilities were not significantly different after culture with the MHA, MHA-MFu0.5, or MHA-MFu1.0 hydrogels, but the specific activity and mineralization of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly higher in the MHA-MFu1.0 hydrogel group compared to the other hydrogels. Hence, MHA-MFu composite hydrogels are potential bone graft materials that can provide a flexible structure and favorable niche for inducing bone osteogenic differentiation.

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.

Therapies from Fucoidan: New Developments

Since our last review in 2015, the study and use of fucoidan has extended in several research areas. Clinical use of fucoidan for the treatment of renal disease has become available and human safety studies have been undertaken on radiolabeled fucoidan for the purpose of imaging thrombi. Fucoidan has been incorporated into an increasing number of commercially available supplements and topical treatments. In addition, new measuring techniques are now available to assess the biologically relevant uptake of fucoidans and to assist in production. Microbiome modulation and anti-pathogenic effects are increasingly promising applications for fucoidans, due to the need for alternative approaches to antibiotic use in the food chain. This review outlines promising new developments in fucoidan research, including potential future therapeutic use.

The Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma to Promote Cell Recruitment into Low-Molecular-Weight Fucoidan-Functionalized Poly(Ester-Urea-Urethane) Scaffolds for Soft-Tissue Engineering

Due to their elastomeric behavior, polyurethane-based scaffolds can find various applications in soft-tissue engineering. However, their relatively inert surface has to be modified in order to improve cell colonization and control cell fate. The present study focuses on porous biodegradable scaffolds based on poly(ester-urea-urethane), functionalized concomitantly to the scaffold elaboration with low-molecular-weight (LMW) fucoidan; and their bio-activation with platelet rich plasma (PRP) formulations with the aim to promote cell response. The LMW fucoidan-functionalization was obtained in a very homogeneous way, and was stable after the scaffold sterilization and incubation in phosphate-buffered saline. Biomolecules from PRP readily penetrated into the functionalized scaffold, leading to a biological frame on the pore walls. Preliminary in vitro assays were assessed to demonstrate the improvement of scaffold behavior towards cell response. The scaffold bio-activation drastically improved cell migration. Moreover, cells interacted with all pore sides into the bio-activated scaffold forming cell bridges across pores. Our work brought out an easy and versatile way of developing functionalized and bio-activated elastomeric poly(ester-urea-urethane) scaffolds with a better cell response.

Mussel-inspired dual-functional PEG hydrogel inducing mineralization and inhibiting infection in maxillary bone reconstruction

Infection compromises healing process after bone fracture. An anti-bacterial bone graft synthesized from polymer and mineralization components is becoming preferable for its accessibility and low cost and tunable chem-physic properties. In this study, mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA) was used to synthesize in-situ silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and mineralization on polyethylene hydrogel (PEG). With dual functions of anti-bacteria and graft mineralization, we found the hydrogel (AgNPs/PDA) promoted bone generation and show significant antibacterial activity. Specifically, the gel upregulated the expression of osteogenic genes of bone sialoprotein gene, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and runt-related transcription factor 2. It also significantly inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In vivo the AgNPs/PDA gel could repair maxillary bone defect efficiently.