Composite Scaffold Material Research Articles

Composite Scaffold Materials of Nanocerium Oxide Doped with Allograft Bone: Dual Optimization Based on Anti-Inflammatory Properties and Promotion of Osteogenic Mineralization.

Spinal fusion technique is widely used in the treatment of lumbar degeneration, cervical instability, disc injury, and spinal deformity. However, it is usually accompanied by a high incidence of fusion failure and pseudoarthrosis, placing higher demands on bone implants. Therefore, materials with good biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and even induce bone ingrowth, which can be used to improve spinal fusion rate and bone regeneration, have become a hot research topic. Here, ultra-small cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) are prepared and loaded onto the surface of the homograft bone surface to prepare a composite scaffold AB@PLGA/CeO2. The composite scaffold shows the competitive ability to promote osteoblast differentiation in vitro. In vivo experiments show that AB@PLGA/CeO2 has a good bone enhancement effect. In particular, good biological effects of collagen fiber formation, osteogenic mineralization, and tissue repair are shown in intervertebral implant fusion. Further, transcriptome sequencing confirms that CeO2 NPs promote osteogenic differentiation and mineralization by regulating extracellular matrix (ECM) and collagen formation. Meanwhile, CeO2 NPs can regulate the function of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway to exert its ability to promote osteogenic differentiation and mineralization and affect p53 and cell cycle signaling pathway to regulate osteogenic differentiation and mineralization. Hence, the proposed scaffold is a promising strategy for intervertebral fusion in the clinic.

Exosome-loaded hyaluronic acid hydrogel composite with oxygen-producing 3D printed polylactic acid scaffolds for bone tissue repair and regeneration

Bone defects can interfere with bone healing by disrupting the local environment, resulting in vascular damage and hypoxia. Under these conditions, insufficient oxygen availability is a significant factor that exacerbates disease by blocking angiogenesis or osteogenesis. Exosomes play a crucial role in intercellular communication and modulation of inflammation to aid bone regeneration. However, the distance between exosomes and areas of damage can hinder efficient bone generation and cell survival. To overcome this limitation, we fabricated a continuous oxygen-supplying composite scaffold, with the encapsulation of calcium peroxide in a polylactic acid three-dimensional (3D) printing construct (CPS), as both an oxygen source and hydroxyapatite (HAP) precursor. Furthermore, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived exosomes were incorporated into hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels to stimulate cell growth and modulate inflammation. The release of exosomes into cells leads to an increase in alkaline phosphatase production. In vivo results demonstrated that the composite scaffold regulated the inflammatory microenvironment, relieved tissue hypoxia, and promoted new bone formation. These results indicate that the synergistic effect of exosomes and oxygen promoted the proliferation of BMSCs, alleviated inflammation and exhibited excellent osteogenic properties. In conclusion, this osteogenic functional composite scaffold material offers a highly effective approach for bone repair.

Shape memory and hemostatic silk-laponite scaffold for alveolar bone regeneration after tooth extraction trauma

Persistent bleeding and the absence of alveolar bone stress following tooth loss can hinder socket healing, complicating future dental implant procedures, and potentially leading to neighboring tooth instability. Therefore, developing materials that promote alveolar bone regeneration and possess both hemostatic and osteogenic properties is crucial for preserving the extraction sites. This study introduces a silk-based laponite composite scaffold material with proficient hemostatic and osteogenic functions, and excellent shape-memory properties for efficient extraction- site filling. In vitro studies research demonstrated that the scaffold's inherent negative charge of the scaffold significantly enhanced blood coagulation and thrombin generation. Moreover, its porous structure and slightly rough inner surface promoted blood cell adhesion and, improved the hemostatic performance. Furthermore, the scaffold facilitated stem cell osteogenic differentiation by activating the TRPM7 channel through the released of magnesium ions. In vivo tests using rat models confirmed its effectiveness in promoting coagulation and mandibular regeneration. Thus, this study proposes a promising approach for post-extraction alveolar bone regenerative repair. The composite scaffold material, with its hemostatic and osteogenic capabilities and shape-memory features, can potentially enhance dental implant success and overall oral health.

Adoption of Composite Bone Scaffold Loaded with Osteoporosis Drugs in the Repair of Bone Defects in an Osteoporotic Animal Model

To promote the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into osteogenic lineages, icariin (ICA) was utilized. A composite scaffold material of ICA-bone powder/poly lactic acid (PLA) was constructed using biotechnology, and its therapeutic effects on osteoporotic bone defects were visualized. During the experiment, the physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of the material were analyzed, and a rat model of osteoporotic bone defects was constructed. The prepared material was implanted into the osteoporotic bone defect region, and according to the drug-loading amount (10−5 M, 10−6 M, and 10−7 M), the experimental rats were assigned into three groups (group A, group B and group C) to verify its bone defect repair performance. The results revealed that the porosity and pore size of bone powder/PLA material were (91.75±2.36)% and (213.42±16.37) μm, respectively. The addition of the Chinese herbal medicine caused a decrease in the porosity of the ICA-bone powder/PLA material, but it still exceeded 85%. After 48 h of co-culturing with human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) using various drug loading amounts (10−5 M, 10−6 M, and 10−7 M) of the composite bone scaffold material, no obvious cell death was visualized. After 7 days of co-culturing, ALP staining showed that the cells grown on the prepared material surface secreted a large amount of extracellular matrix. In particular, the composite bone scaffold material with a loading amount of 10−7 M demonstrated strong positive ALP staining. The repair progress of group C rats was faster at 4 weeks and 8 weeks after surgery versus group A and group B (P < 0.05). According to ALP expression analysis, at 4 weeks after surgery, group C rats had higher ALP positive expression versus group A and group B rats (P < 0.05), and at 8 weeks after surgery, group B and group C rats had higher ALP positive expression versus group A rats (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrated that the bone powder/PLA material loaded with ICA has favorable adoption value in the repair of osteoporotic bone defects.

G/ β- TCP composite scaffold material promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

To explore self-made graphene/β Graphene (G)/β- tricalcium phosphate, G/β- The effect of TCP composite scaffold material on osteogenic differentiation of BMSC. Preparation of G/β- TCP composite material was used to investigate the effect of composite material on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell ossification/β- TCP material was used to treat primary BMSCs of rats. Cell morphology changes were observed under scanning electron microscopy, cell cycle and proliferation were detected by flow cytometry, and gene expression of chondrogenic genes Fibronectin, collagen I, collagen II, ICAM, and VCAM was detected by q-PCR. In addition, using osteogenic induction medium and G/β- TCP composite materials were co treated with BMSCs, and ALP and alizarin red staining were used to observe the effect of the materials on osteogenic differentiation. q-PCR was used to detect the gene expression of osteogenic related genes Runx2, OCN, and OPN. G/ β- After the TCP composite was co cultured with BMSC, the proportion of G0/G1 phase of BMSC cells was significantly increased, the cell proliferation ability was enhanced, and the gene expression of fibronectin, collagen I, collagen II, ICAM, and VCAM were significantly increased. The ALP staining results indicate that BMSC in G/β- After treatment with TCP composite material, significant enhancement of osteogenic ability was observed at 7,14 and 21 days. In addition, BMSC in G/β- A significant increase in calcium deposition was observed at 7,14 and 21 days after treatment with TCP composite materials. The effect of different time points on the expression of osteogenic related genes varies. At 7 and 14 days, the expression of RUNX2 was significantly reduced compared to the control, but significantly increased at 21 days; OCN significantly increased on the 21st day; OPN significantly increased at 14 days. G/β- TCP materials significantly promote the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.

Identification of key pathways in zirconia/dental pulp stem cell composite scaffold-mediated macrophage polarization through transcriptome sequencing

ABSTRACT Seed cells and scaffold materials are essential components of tissue engineering. In this study, we investigated the key pathway of the zirconia/dental pulp stem cell composite scaffold in regulating macrophage polarization by transcriptome sequencing. We established N-rGO/ZrO2 composite scaffold and confirmed its structure using various analytical techniques, including SEM, TEM, FTIR, Raman spectra, XPS, and XRD. DPSCs were seeded onto N-rGO/ZrO2 composite scaffold material, and their proliferation, adhesion, and osteogenic differentiation were evaluated by CCK-8, immunofluorescence staining, ALP staining, and alizarin red staining. We then co-cultured DPSCs combined with N-rGO/ZrO2 as composite material with THP-1 cells in a transwell system to investigate the effect of the composite on macrophage polarization. The levels of pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes were assessed by RT-qPCR and western blot. Through bulk RNA sequencing, we detected the transcriptional characteristics of macrophages under the regulation of the composite materials, and identified the differential genes using the DEseq2 package. We also analyzed the cellular and molecular functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in THP-1 cells with DPSCs combined with N-rGO/ZrO2 treatment using GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Our results showed that N-rGO/ZrO2 composite scaffold promoted the proliferation, adhesion, and osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs. Moreover, N-rGO/ZrO2 composite scaffold combined with DPSCs regulated macrophage migration, polarization, and glycolysis. Mechanistically, the combination of N-rGO/ZrO2 composite materials and DPSCs regulated macrophage polarization by activating the TNF signaling pathway. This finding provides a new approach to the clinical preservation of maxillofacial bone defect repair.

Preparation of Silk Fibroin/Chitosan/Nano-Hydroxyapatite and Its Effect on the Repair of Cartilage Damage in Rats

This study was aimed to prepare a silk fibroin (SF)/chitosan (CS)/nano-Hydroxyapatite (n-HAp) composite scaffold for repair of cartilage damage. A four-layer bionic scaffold SF/CS/n-HAp was constructed by cryogenic freezing and forming. Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) was used as a cross-linking agent to post-process the scaffold to improve the mechanical strength of the scaffold. The various materials prepared were characterized. The SF/CS/n-HAp scaffold prepared in this study was cream-colored cylindrical and elastic. It can show variability after external force was applied, and can be restored to its original appearance after elimination of the external force. The diameter of the scaffold was 5 cm, and the total thickness was about 1 cm. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) results showed that the surface of the scaffold material was smooth, the pore size changed gradually, and the connectivity among the holes was good. The pore size distribution of the entire scaffold material was between 100 μm∼300 μm, and the pore size range was suitable for the adhesion, expansion, and migration of chondrocytes and osteoblasts. The mechanical performance test results showed that the composite scaffold had a compression modulus of 706 kPa, which can meet the mechanical performance requirements for repair of smaller articular cartilage damage. In addition, the porosity of each layer of the scaffold was more than 91%, which was conducive to the adhesion of cells on the surface of the material. The cell experiment results revealed that the composite scaffold material was beneficial to the growth and proliferation of cells. Under osteogenic and chondrogenic induction culture, bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) can differentiate in the direction of osteogenesis and cartilage. The results of animal experiments revealed that the SF/CS/n-HAp material group showed better effect than the blank control group in repairing rat cartilage defects, and the Wayne score and O’Driscoll score were also significantly higher than the blank control group. This suggested that the biomimetic scaffold SF/CS/n-HAp prepared in this study showed good physical properties and biocompatibility, and had certain prospects in the application of repairing cartilage damage.

Surface Modification of Decellularized Heart Valve by the POSS-PEG Hybrid Hydrogel to Prepare a Composite Scaffold Material with Anticalcification Potential.

Tissue-engineered heart valves (TEHVs) are the most promising replacement for heart valve transplantation. Decellularized heart valve (DHV) is one of the most common scaffold materials for TEHVs. In actual clinical applications, the most widely used method for treating DHV is cross-linking it with glutaraldehyde, but this method could cause serious problems such as calcification. In this study, we introduced polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles into a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel to prepare a POSS-PEG hybrid hydrogel, and then coated them on the surface of DHV to prepare the composite scaffold. The chemical structures, microscopic morphologies, cell compatibilities, blood compatibilities, and anticalcification properties were further investigated. Experimental results showed that the composite scaffold had good blood compatibility and excellent cell compatibility and could promote cell adhesion and proliferation. In vivo and in vitro anticalcification experiments showed that the introduction of POSS nanoparticles could reduce the degree of calcification significantly and the composite scaffold had obvious anticalcification ability. The DHV surface-coated with the POSS-PEG hybrid hydrogel is an alternative scaffold material with anticalcification potential for an artificial heart valve, which provides an idea for the preparation of TEHVs.

Tissue-engineered bones with adipose-derived stem cells - composite polymer for repair of bone defects.

Background: Development of alternative bone tissue graft materials based on tissue engineering technology has gradually become a research focus. Engineered bone composed of biodegradable, biosafe and bioactive materials isattractive, but also challenging. Materials & methods: An adipose-derived stem cell/poly(L-glutamic acid)/chitosan composite scaffold was further developed for construction of biodegradable and bone-promoting tissue-engineered bone. A series ofcomposite scaffold materialswith differentphysical properties such as structure, pore size, porosity and pore diameter was developed. Results: The composite scaffold showed good biodegradability and water absorption, and exhibited an excellent ability to promote bone differentiation. Conclusion: This type of biodegradable scaffold is expected to be applied to the field of bone repair or bone tissue engineering.

Electroconductive Polythiophene Nanocomposite Fibrous Scaffolds for Enhanced Osteogenic Differentiation via Electrical Stimulation.

Biophysical cues are key distinguishing characteristics that influence tissue development and regeneration, and significant efforts have been made to alter the cellular behavior by means of cell-substrate interactions and external stimuli. Electrically conductive nanofibers are capable of treating bone defects since they closely mimic the fibrillar architecture of the bone matrix and deliver the endogenous and exogenous electric fields required to direct cell activities. Nevertheless, previous studies on conductive polymer-based scaffolds have been limited to polypyrrole, polyaniline, and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). In the present study, chemically synthesized polythiophene nanoparticles (PTh NPs) are incorporated into polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers, and subsequent changes in physicochemical, mechanical, and electrical properties are observed in a concentration-dependent manner. In murine preosteoblasts (MC3T3-E1), we examine how substrate properties modified by adding PTh NPs contribute to changes in the cellular behavior, including viability, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization. Additionally, we determine that external electrical stimulation (ES) mediated by PTh NPs positively affects such osteogenic responses. Together, our results provide insights into polythiophene's potential as an electroconductive composite scaffold material.

Fabrication and Characterization of Gelatin/Polyvinyl Alcohol Composite Scaffold.

In this study, porous scaffold materials based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and gelatin (Gel) were successfully fabricated and characterized. The mechanism of the reaction, morphology, and crystallinity were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In addition, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed together with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for examining the thermostability and phase transformation of the scaffolds. Degradation and swelling studies of PVA/Gel composite scaffold materials were performed in phosphate-buffered saline. Finally, the mechanical performances had been determined. According to the results, the polymer matrix that was formed by the combination of PVA and gelatin had better thermal stability. The synthesized composite scaffold was amorphous in nature. The addition of gelatin did not affect the fishbone-like microstructure of PVA, which ensures the excellent mechanical properties of the PVA scaffold. The denaturation temperature and elastic modulus of the PVA scaffold were improved by the gelatin addition, but the physical and chemical properties of the PVA scaffold were weakened when the gelatin content exceeded 10%. In addition, the PVA-10G sample has suitable degradability. Therefore, the PVA/Gel composite scaffold might potentially be applied in the field of tissue engineering that demands high strength.

Multi‐modal cell structure formation of poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)/superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles composite scaffolds by supercritical CO2 varying‐temperature foaming

AbstractPoly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)/superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) composite scaffold material was prepared by supercritical carbon dioxide varying‐temperature mode method. The multi‐modal cell structure was formed, and the mechanism was explained. The nuclei formed in the heating stage grew into large pores, while the nuclei formed in the depressurization stage grew into small pores. SPIONs caused pores to rupture and coalesce into small pores or large pores. The effects of foaming parameters, including the amount of SPIONs, saturation temperature, foaming temperature, foaming pressure, and depressurization rate on the properties of the scaffolds, were systematically studied. The results showed that the addition of SPIONs could improve the porosity and mechanical properties of the scaffold, and the obvious multi‐modal cell structure could be formed. In conclusion, by changing the foaming parameters, the PLGA/SPIONs composite scaffolds with various average diameters (11.93–790.52 μm), a wide range of porosity (62.98%–93.23%) and mechanical properties (0.38–11.12 MPa) could be obtained.

3D Printed Platelet-Rich Plasma-Loaded Scaffold with Sustained Cytokine Release for Bone Defect Repair.

The combination of three-dimensional (3D) printed scaffold materials and various cytokines can achieve the purpose of tissue reconstruction more efficiently. In this study, we prepared platelet-rich plasma (PRP)/gelatin microspheres combined with 3D printed polycaprolactone/β-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds to solve the key problem that PRP cannot be released under control and the release time is too short, and thus better promote bone repair. Consequently, the composite scaffold displayed a good mechanical property and sustained cytokine release for ∼3 weeks. Increased survival, proliferation, migration, and osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were observed compared with the control groups. The in vivo study demonstrated that the composite scaffold with PRP/gelatin microspheres led to greater positive effects in promoting large bone defect repair. In conclusion, in this study, a new type of PRP long-term sustained-release composite scaffold material was constructed that effectively improved the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of cells in the transplanted area, thereby better promoting the repair of large bone defects. Impact statement Reconstruction of bone tissue and blood vessels at bone defects takes time. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been widely used in bone defect repair because it contains a variety of cytokine that can promote local osteogenesis and angiogenesis. In this study, we constructed a new type of polycaprolactone/β-tricalcium phosphate/PRP/gelatin scaffold to solve the predicament of short cytokine release time in PRP-related materials. We proved that this scaffold can not only achieve long-term PRP-related cytokine release (more than 3 weeks) but also promote osteogenesis and bone defect repair. We believe that this is a novel concept of developing the sustained PRP-related cytokine releasing bioscaffold for treating large bone defect.

Hyaluronic-Acid-Based Organic-Inorganic Composites for Biomedical Applications.

Applications of natural hyaluronic acid (HYH) for the fabrication of organic-inorganic composites for biomedical applications are described. Such composites combine unique functional properties of HYH with functional properties of hydroxyapatite, various bioceramics, bioglass, biocements, metal nanoparticles, and quantum dots. Functional properties of advanced composite gels, scaffold materials, cements, particles, films, and coatings are described. Benefiting from the synergy of properties of HYH and inorganic components, advanced composites provide a platform for the development of new drug delivery materials. Many advanced properties of composites are attributed to the ability of HYH to promote biomineralization. Properties of HYH are a key factor for the development of colloidal and electrochemical methods for the fabrication of films and protective coatings for surface modification of biomedical implants and the development of advanced biosensors. Overcoming limitations of traditional materials, HYH is used as a biocompatible capping, dispersing, and structure-directing agent for the synthesis of functional inorganic materials and composites. Gel-forming properties of HYH enable a facile and straightforward approach to the fabrication of antimicrobial materials in different forms. Of particular interest are applications of HYH for the fabrication of biosensors. This review summarizes manufacturing strategies and mechanisms and outlines future trends in the development of functional biocomposites.

Progress in the degradation relationship between macrophages and composite stent materials

Bone tissue engineering is increasingly used in the repair of maxillofacial bone defects. The application of composite materials can make up for some of the shortcomings of single materials in the past, such as insufficient strength of single materials, poor biocompatibility, and degradation of biomaterials. Some problems, in which the degradation rate of composite materials in vivo does not match the rate of bone formation, is one of the main clinical problems faced by bone tissue engineering bone composite scaffold materials. The degradation of materials in vivo is mainly divided into two aspects: biological and chemical degradation. The participation of cells is an important part of biodegradation. Among them, the role of macrophages has attracted more and more attention. It can affect the degradation of materials through direct contact with the material itself or by secreting different factors. A good understanding of the mechanism of macrophages in material degradation helps us to better design and manufacture composite scaffold materials with a degradation rate that matches the bone formation in vivo.

Compatibility of Composite Biomaterials in Sports Injury Repair

With the rapid development of sports, sports injuries have become an inevitable problem in sports. Repairing sports injuries has always been the focus of attention in the field of sports and medicine. The wide application of biomedical materials leads to the innovation and development of medical technology. It is of great significance to use them to repair sports injuries, but the current research results are not ideal. In this paper, the biocompatibility of composite biomaterials used to repair sports injuries was studied. First, the rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were cultured to prepare a cell suspension. Then, the tricalcium phosphate‐gelatin composite scaffold material and the collagen material were scraped into powder to make the material extract, which are, respectively, the experimental group and the control group. An apoptosis detection kit and a flow cytometer were used to detect apoptosis rate and survival rate of all samples, and a CKK‐8 kit was used to detect cytotoxicity and calculate cell proliferation activity. The absorbance value was read with a microplate reader, and the coagulation performance and hemolysis rate of different groups were calculated. The experimental results showed that the cell survival rate of the experimental group was 91.41%, the early apoptosis rate was 2.81%, the stem cell proliferation activity was 0.83, and the anticoagulant performance and hemolysis rate were 64.8% and 0.28%, respectively. This indicates that although the anticoagulant performance of the tricalcium phosphate‐gelatin composite scaffold is weak, its cell proliferation activity is strong, which is more suitable for cell adhesion and proliferation, and the cell apoptosis and hemolysis rate are lower. Therefore, it has better biocompatibility than a single collagen material.

Polymeric Guide Conduits for Peripheral Nerve Tissue Engineering.

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) are usually caused by trauma, immune diseases, and genetic factors. Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) may lead to limb numbness, muscle atrophy, and loss of neurological function. Although an abundance of theories have been proposed, very few treatments can effectively lead to complete recovery of neurological function. Autologous nerve transplantation is currently the gold standard. Nevertheless, only 50% of all patients were successfully cured using this method. In addition, it causes inevitable damage to the donor site, and available donor sites in humans are very limited. Tissue engineering has become a research hotspot aimed at achieving a better therapeutic effect from peripheral nerve regeneration. Nerve guide conduits (NGCs) show great potential in the treatment of PNI. An increasing number of scaffold materials, including natural and synthetic polymers, have been applied to fabricate NGCs for peripheral nerve regeneration. This review focuses on recent nerve guide conduit (NGC) composite scaffold materials that are applied for nerve tissue engineering. Furthermore, the development tendency of NGCs and future areas of interest are comprehensively discussed.

Ectopic osteogenesis by type I collagen loaded with a novel synthesized PTH-related peptide-1 in vivo.

This study aims to investigate the ability of parathyroid hormone (PTH)-related peptide-1/type I collagen (PTHrP-1/Col-I) scaffold material to induce ectopic osteogenesis in the quadriceps muscle pocket of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. A novel peptide PTHrP-1 was derived from PTH and used at different concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mg/ml) to induce ectopic osteogenesis. Radiographic examinations (X-ray, CT, and 3D reconstruction), pathological observations (H&E, Masson, Von Kossa, ALP and TRAP staining), immunohistochemical staining (Col-I, OCN and Runx-2 in tissues), western blotting was used to determine the qualitative and quantitative analysis of related markers proteins. Results confirmed that the appropriate concentration of PTHrP-1 can effectively enhance the osteogenic activity, thereby improving the positive results and protein expression of osteogenic markers (COL-I, OCN, and Runx-2) in the quadriceps muscle pocket of SD rats. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis, high concentration of PTHrP-1 promotes osteogenic activity and active bone resorption. This study confirmed that PTHrP-1 is a novel small molecule bioactive peptide, and the rat tail collagen scaffold is a good carrier of PTHrP-1 with excellent biocompatibility. The PTHrP-1/Col-I composite scaffold material is an effective substitute for bone tissue engineering and can effectively induce and promote bone formation in the quadriceps muscle pocket of rats. In addition, the promoting ability for osteogenic differentiation of 0.3 mg/ml PTHrP-1/Col-I composite scaffold material group was significantly better than that of 0, 0.1 and 0.5 mg/ml PTHrP-1/Col-I composite scaffold material groups. Hence, the optimal concentration of PTHrP-1 to promote ectopic osteogenesis is 0.3 mg/ml.

In-Vitro Degradation Behaviors of Composite Scaffolds Based on 1,4-Butadnediamine Modified Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and Nanobioceramics

In-vitro degradation behaviors of composite scaffold materials composed of 1,4-butanediamine modified poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (BMPLGA), nanobioactive glass (NBG) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) were systematically investigated in phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) at 37 °C. The properties of the BMPLGA/NBG-β-TCP and BMPLGA scaffolds, including the changes of pH value, mass, water uptake, compressive strength and molecular mass, were investigated as a function of degradation time. The results showed that the introduction of the NBG and β-TCP particles played important roles in the degradation of BMPLGA matrix. The degradation rate of the BMPLGA/NBG-β-TCP scaffolds was slower than that of the BMPLGA scaffolds.

Preparation and characterization of the n-HA/PVA/CS porous composite hydrogel

Abstract In this paper, a new method combines chemical/physical crosslinking, and emulsification-foaming porogenic was adopted to prepare n-hydroxyapatite (n-HA)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/chitosan (CS) porous composite hydrogel using artificial cornea scaffold materials. The fabricate conditions, including the type and amount of emulsification-foaming porogen, mixing time and speed etc. were researched. The results showed the optimal condition that the alkylphenol polyoxyethylene ether (OP) acted as emulsification-foaming porogen, with the ratio of WPVA/WOP as 3.75, and mixing 15 min with a stirring speed of 800 r·min−1. Additionally, the fabricated composite hydrogel scaffold materials possessed interconnected internal holes, a moisture content of above 65%, and tensile strength of above 6 MPa. In vitro cytotoxicity and acute systemic toxicity assay confirmed that the scaffolds did not show any cytotoxicity. The as-prepared hydrogel could be a promising candidate for artificial cornea scaffold material.