Self-calcifying lipid nanocarrier for bone tissue engineering

Abstract

BackgroundA nanoemulsion with specific surface properties (such as charge and functional groups) can initiate the deposition of calcium phosphate (CaP) on its surface, leading to formation of CaP nanoparticles with a lipid core. The lipid core can carry lipophilic compounds based on the function of the nanoemulsion. Therefore, a dual purpose nanoemulsion of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) exhibiting self-calcifying and carrier abilities can be developed. MethodsWe employed an emulsification process to formulate LNPs with a specific charged surface. The LNPs were tested for their ability to calcify in simulated body fluid and encapsulate cholecalciferol (a model of active compound). The self-calcifying LNP was successfully fabricated using the emulsification process and stabilized using a mixture of polysorbate 80 and polysorbate 20. ResultsThe LNPs incubated in simulated body fluid bound to calcium and phosphate, subsequently forming CaP on the particle surface and resulting in approximately 180-nm CaP spheres with a lipid core. The LNPs facilitated calcium phosphate deposition in the collagen scaffolds. In addition, LNPs can be used as carriers of lipophilic compounds without impeding the self-calcifying ability.