Hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffold supplemented with VEGF and BMP-2 growth factors enhanced osteogenic proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells

Abstract

Background: Engineered bone tissue, made up of hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffold is the current alternative in bone transplant. The scaffold needs to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) to support bone growth and repair. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) are vital in producing a suitable ECM environment to promote bone regeneration. Objective: To elucidate the synergistic effect of VEGF and BMP-2 growth factors on MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells. Method: MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in vitro and seeded onto a HA scaffold supplied with VEGF and BMP-2 growth factors. The characterisation of its mineralisation was evaluated on Day three and Day seven using the Alizarin Red staining (ARS) technique. Result: Positive ARS staining was observed in the HA scaffold supplied with VEGF and BMP-2 growth factors in vitro, thus indicating that a high level of calcium was deposited. These results suggest that the combined use of VEGF and BMP-2 will increase cell proliferation and osteoblast differentiation in vitro. Conclusion: Therefore, the synergistic effects of VEGF and BMP-2-loaded HA scaffold confirm the process as a promising approach to enhance the osteogenic effect and support cellular functions of osteoblastic cells in bone tissue engineering applications.