Abstract
Articular cartilage injury is still a significant challenge because of the poor intrinsic healing potential of cartilage. Stem cell-based tissue engineering is a promising technique for cartilage repair. As cartilage defects are usually irregular in clinical settings, scaffolds with moldability that can fill any shape of cartilage defects and closely integrate with the host cartilage are desirable. In this study, we constructed a composite scaffold combining mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) E7 affinity peptide-modified demineralized bone matrix (DBM) particles and chitosan (CS) hydrogel for cartilage engineering. This solid-supported composite scaffold exhibited appropriate porosity, which provided a 3D microenvironment that supports cell adhesion and proliferation. Cell proliferation and DNA content analysis indicated that the DBM-E7/CS scaffold promoted better rat bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMMSCs) survival than the CS or DBM/CS groups. Meanwhile, the DBM-E7/CS scaffold increased matrix production and improved chondrogenic differentiation ability of BMMSCs in vitro. Furthermore, after implantation in vivo for four weeks, compared to those in control groups, the regenerated issue in the DBM-E7/CS group exhibited translucent and superior cartilage-like structures, as indicated by gross observation, histological examination, and assessment of matrix staining. Overall, the functional composite scaffold of DBM-E7/CS is a promising option for repairing irregularly shaped cartilage defects.
Highlights
Articular cartilage is a well-organized tissue that possesses excellent biomechanical properties, such as low friction and compressive and tensile properties
To determine the characteristics of demineralized bone matrix (DBM)-E7 particles, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy were conducted to determine the characteristics of the DBM-E7 particles
SEM revealed that different from the surface of DBM particles (Fig. 1C a), the surface of DBM-E7 particles became rough with a thin layer of peptide materials after E7 peptide conjugation, which may facilitate specific bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMMSCs) recruitment (Fig. 1C b)
Summary
Articular cartilage is a well-organized tissue that possesses excellent biomechanical properties, such as low friction and compressive and tensile properties. We designed a composite scaffold combining E7-modified DBM (DBM-E7) particles and CS hydrogel for stem cell-based cartilage tissue engineering, in an attempt to integrate a moldable hydrogel and a functional biomaterial unit into one 3D scaffold for cartilage regeneration. In this scaffold, the DBM-E7 particles play a role in improving biomechanical properties and MSCs homing, while the CS provides a friendly 3D cell-support microenvironment and maintains the integrity of scaffold. To further investigate the feasibility of this hypothesis, the properties and function of the DBM-E7/CS scaffold were comprehensively studied
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
