Abstract
In this study, we designed a chitosan/alginate/hydroxyapatite scaffold as a carrier for recombinant BMP-2 (CAH/B2), and evaluated the release kinetics of BMP-2. We evaluated the effect of the CAH/B2 scaffold on the viability and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by scanning electron microscopy, MTS, ALP assay, alizarin-red staining and qRT-PCR. Moreover, MSCs were seeded on scaffolds and used in a 8 mm rat calvarial defect model. New bone formation was assessed by radiology, hematoxylin and eosin staining 12 weeks postoperatively. We found the release kinetics of BMP-2 from the CAH/B2 scaffold were delayed compared with those from collagen gel, which is widely used for BMP-2 delivery. The BMP-2 released from the scaffold increased MSC differentiation and did not show any cytotoxicity. MSCs exhibited greater ALP activity as well as stronger calcium mineral deposition, and the bone-related markers Col1α, osteopontin, and osteocalcin were upregulated. Analysis of in vivo bone formation showed that the CAH/B2 scaffold induced more bone formation than other groups. This study demonstrates that CAH/B2 scaffolds might be useful for delivering osteogenic BMP-2 protein and present a promising bone regeneration strategy.
Highlights
Craniofacial bone defects associated with trauma, pathology and fracture nonunion represent a significant clinical problem [1,2]
To improve the healing of critical sized defects, to date, a major barrier has been the lack of sufficient integration of biomaterial design and engineered cells such as stem cells to promote bone regeneration [44,45]
Many studies use mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and scaffold minerals, this was the first that evaluated the combination of MSCs with a CAH scaffold (CAH)/B2 scaffold in vivo
Summary
Craniofacial bone defects associated with trauma, pathology and fracture nonunion represent a significant clinical problem [1,2]. Autograft is the current gold standard treatment for bone grafting; it is limited by available volume of graft material, donor site morbidity and unpredictable bone resorption [3,4]. Allografts are good alternatives to bridge defects, but risk of disease transmission and adverse host immune reactions limit the use of allograft. Improved strategies are urgently needed to better treat craniofacial bone defects [5,6]. Tissue engineering is a relatively new method to repair damaged bone. Porous scaffolds serve as vehicles to deliver and retain cells at a specific site, guide new bone formation into desired shapes, maintain space and prevent soft tissue prolapse in the bony lesion. The scaffold materials must be biocompatible, osteoconductive, and have enough mechanical strength to provide structural support [7,8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
