Bio-inspired nano-composites with smart functionalities for tissue regeneration

Abstract

Event Abstract Back to Event Bio-inspired nano-composites with smart functionalities for tissue regeneration Anna Tampieri1, Monica Sandri1, Simone Sprio1, Silvia Panseri1 and Alessio Adamiano1 1 National Research Council, Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics, Italy Introduction: The reproduction of the biomimetic conditions of bone formation allowed to settle a biomineralization process generating hybrid constructs where the mineral phase is nucleated upon guidance by the chemical features and physical confinement imposed by the self-assembling/self-organizing polymeric matrix, so that the mineral phase has physical, chemical and ultra-structural resemblance with mineral bone. The possibility of tailoring the mineralization extent also enabled the synthesis of graded constructs mimicking the different areas of multifunctional articular regions and periodontium[1]. Recently a new superparamagnetic, bioactive and bioresorbable apatite was developed through controlled substitution of Ca2+ ions with Fe2+/3+ ions, with specific Fe/Ca and Fe2+/Fe3+ ratios, which is non-toxic, bioactive and completely bioresorbable[2]. Pinning on this recent development, bio-hybrid bone- and osteochondral-mimicking devices with superparamagnetic ability can be prepared by bio-inspired mineralization. By using Fe-HA as nanoparticles, an innovative in vitro 3D cell culture model was settled, relying on magnetic control of cell migration, growth factor/drug delivery and hyperthermia effect. Therefore, cells can be moved, after their magnetization, in a well localized area of the biomaterial to enhanced tissue engineering procedures. The proposed method will have a great impact in nanomedicine, filling the gap between the standard 2-D cell studies and the in vivo environment. This new 3D model will allow to precisely predict cell behavior, tissue regeneration, reducing the number of animals necessary for in vivo experiments as required by the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Refinement and Reduction). Experimental: Regenerative biomimetic hybrid scaffolds were prepared by bio-inspired synthesis based on mineralization processes applied to self-assembling Type I collagen templates. Similar approach was followed to synthesize superparamagnetic hybrid scaffolds. Results and Discussion: The high mimicry of the hybrid scaffolds with natural tissues is the source of their high regenerative ability. In fact the chemico-physical and morphological features of the scaffold trigger the cascade of events leading to tissue regeneration. Quantitative macroscopic and histological score evaluations showed that the novel osteochondral scaffold is safe and easy to use, and may represent a suitable matrix to direct and coordinate the process of bone and hyaline-like cartilage regeneration[4]. Intrinsic superparamagnetic Fe-HA/Collagen scaffolds can increasingly assist the osteogenic and angiogenic capacity during the remodeling process under the influence of a static magnetic field. This work was supported by the EU project SMILEY NMP-2012-SMALL-6-310637.