Effect of autologous bone marrow stromal cell seeding and bone morphogenetic protein-2 delivery on ectopic bone formation in a microsphere/poly(propylene fumarate) composite

A biodegradable microsphere/scaffold composite based on the synthetic polymer poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) holds promise as a scaffold for cell growth and sustained delivery vehicle for growth factors for bone regeneration. The objective of the current work was to investigate the in vitro release and in vivo bone forming capacity of this microsphere/scaffold composite containing bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) in combination with autologous bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in a goat ectopic implantation model. Three composites consisting of 0, 0.08, or 8 microg BMP-2 per mg of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres, embedded in a porous PPF scaffold, were combined with either plasma (no cells) or culture-expanded BMSCs. PPF scaffolds impregnated with a BMP-2 solution and combined with BMSCs as well as empty PPF scaffolds were also tested. The eight different composites were implanted subcutaneously in the dorsal thoracolumbar area of goats. Incorporation of BMP-2-loaded microspheres in the PPF scaffold resulted in a more sustained in vitro release with a lower burst phase, as compared to BMP-2-impregnated scaffolds. Histological analysis after 9 weeks of implantation showed bone formation in the pores of 11/16 composites containing 8 microg/mg BMP-2-loaded microspheres with no significant difference between composites with or without BMSCs (6/8 and 5/8, respectively). Bone formation was also observed in 1/8 of the BMP-2-impregnated scaffolds. No bone formation was observed in the other conditions. Overall, this study shows the feasibility of bone induction by BMP-2 release from microspheres/scaffold composites.     

Controlled drug release from a novel injectable biodegradable microsphere/scaffold composite based on poly(propylene fumarate)

The ideal biomaterial for the repair of bone defects is expected to have good mechanical properties, be fabricated easily into a desired shape, support cell attachment, allow controlled release of bioactive factors to induce bone formation, and biodegrade into nontoxic products to permit natural bone formation and remodeling. The synthetic polymer poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) holds great promise as such a biomaterial. In previous work we developed poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and PPF microspheres for the controlled delivery of bioactive molecules. This study presents an approach to incorporate these microspheres into an injectable, porous PPF scaffold. Model drug Texas red dextran (TRD) was encapsulated into biodegradable PLGA and PPF microspheres at 2 microg/mg microsphere. Five porous composite formulations were fabricated via a gas foaming technique by combining the injectable PPF paste with the PLGA or PPF microspheres at 100 or 250 mg microsphere per composite formulation, or a control aqueous TRD solution (200 microg per composite). All scaffolds had an interconnected pore network with an average porosity of 64.8 +/- 3.6%. The presence of microspheres in the composite scaffolds was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy. The composite scaffolds exhibited a sustained release of the model drug for at least 28 days and had minimal burst release during the initial phase of release, as compared to drug release from microspheres alone. The compressive moduli of the scaffolds were between 2.4 and 26.2 MPa after fabrication, and between 14.9 and 62.8 MPa after 28 days in PBS. The scaffolds containing PPF microspheres exhibited a significantly higher initial compressive modulus than those containing PLGA microspheres. Increasing the amount of microspheres in the composites was found to significantly decrease the initial compressive modulus. The novel injectable PPF-based microsphere/scaffold composites developed in this study are promising to serve as vehicles for controlled drug delivery for bone tissue engineering.     

Retention of in vitro and in vivo BMP-2 bioactivities in sustained delivery vehicles for bone tissue engineering

In this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo biological activities of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) released from four sustained delivery vehicles for bone regeneration. BMP-2 was incorporated into (1) a gelatin hydrogel, (2) poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres embedded in a gelatin hydrogel, (3) microspheres embedded in a poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) scaffold and (4) microspheres embedded in a PPF scaffold surrounded by a gelatin hydrogel. A fraction of the incorporated BMP-2 was radiolabeled with (125)I to determine its in vitro and in vivo release profiles. The release and bioactivity of BMP-2 were tested weekly over a period of 12 weeks in preosteoblast W20-17 cell line culture and in a rat subcutaneous implantation model. Outcome parameters for in vitro and in vivo bioactivities of the released BMP-2 were alkaline phosphatase (AP) induction and bone formation, respectively. The four implant types showed different in vitro release profiles over the 12-week period, which changed significantly upon implantation. The AP induction by BMP-2 released from gelatin implants showed a loss in bioactivity after 6 weeks in culture, while the BMP-2 released from the other implants continued to show bioactivity over the full 12-week period. Micro-CT and histological analysis of the delivery vehicles after 6 weeks of implantation showed significantly more bone in the microsphere/PPF scaffold composites (Implant 3, p<0.02). After 12 weeks, the amount of newly formed bone in the microsphere/PPF scaffolds remained significantly higher than that in the gelatin and microsphere/gelatin hydrogels (p<0.001), however, there was no statistical difference compared to the microsphere/PPF/gelatin composite. Overall, the results from this study show that BMP-2 could be incorporated into various bone tissue engineering composites for sustained release over a prolonged period of time with retention of bioactivity.     

Tissue-engineered cartilage constructs using composite hyaluronic acid/collagen I hydrogels and designed poly(propylene fumarate) scaffolds

Our approach to cartilage tissue-engineering scaffolds combines image-based design and solid free-form (SFF) fabrication to create load-bearing constructs with user-defined parameters. In this study, 3-dimensional scaffolds with cubic and ellipsoidal pore architecture were fabricated using poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF). To increase seeding efficiency and cellular retention, hydrogels were used to deliver cells into the scaffolds. The first objective of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of composite hyaluronic acid (HyA) and collagen I hydrogels best able to stimulate proteoglycan synthesis in porcine chondrocytes in vitro and in vivo. The second objective was to evaluate the differences in extracellular matrix production due to pore geometry and scaffold design. For the in vitro assessment, chondrocytes were encapsulated in collagen I hydrogels with varying concentrations of HyA. Hydrogels were cultured for 1 and 2 weeks, and then the sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) content was quantified using a dimethyl-methylene blue assay. The concentration of HyA best able to increase ECM synthesis was 5% HyA/collagen I, or 0.23 mg/mL HyA. The results from the in vitro experiment were used as culture parameters for the in vivo analysis. Composite 5% HyA/collagen I or collagen I-only hydrogels were used to seed chondrocytes into SFF-fabricated scaffolds made of PPF with designed cubic or ellipsoidal pore geometry. The scaffolds were implanted subcutaneously in immunocompromised mice for 4 weeks. Histomorphometric analyses of sections stained with Safranin O were used to quantify the amount of ECM deposited by cells in the scaffolds. Scaffolds seeded with 5% HyA/collagen hydrogels had significantly greater areas of positive Safranin O staining (approximately 60%, compared with 30% for scaffolds with collagen I hydrogels only), indicating that greater numbers of chondrocytes retained their metabolic activity in the ectopic environment. These scaffolds also had greater stain intensities (corresponding to greater amounts of sGAG in the ECM) than their counterparts seeded with collagen I hydrogels alone. Significant differences in matrix production were not found between the scaffold pore designs. Overall, these results indicate that a combination of composite HyA hydrogels and designed SFF scaffolds could provide a functional tissue-engineered construct for cartilage repair with enhanced tissue regeneration in a load-bearing scaffold.     

In vivo degradation of porous poly(propylene fumarate)/poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) composite scaffolds

This study investigated the in vivo degradation of poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF)/poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) composite scaffolds designed for controlled release of osteogenic factors. PPF/PLGA composites were implanted into 15.0mm segmental defects in the rabbit radius, harvested after 12 and 18 weeks, and analyzed using histological techniques to assess the extent of polymer degradation as well as the tissue response within the pores of the scaffolds. Polymer degradation was limited to micro-fragmentation of the scaffold at the ends and edges of the implant at both 12 and 18 weeks. The tissue within the pores of the scaffold consisted of fibrous tissue, blood vessels and some inflammatory cells. In areas where polymer breakdown was evident, an increased inflammatory response was observed. In contrast, areas of bone ingrowth into the polymer scaffold were characterized by minimal inflammatory response and polymer degradation. Our results show that minimal degradation of porous PPF occurs within 18 weeks of implantation in a rabbit model. Further, the in vivo degradation data of porous PPF/PLGA scaffolds are comparable with earlier obtained in vitro data.     

Sequential growth factor delivery from complexed microspheres for bone tissue engineering

Aim of the study was to design a 3D tissue-engineering scaffold capable of sequentially delivering two bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP). The novel delivery system consisted of microspheres of polyelectrolyte complexes of poly(4-vinyl pyridine) (P(4)VN) and alginic acid loaded with the growth factors BMP-2 and BMP-7 which themselves were loaded into the scaffolds constructed of PLGA. Microspheres carrying the growth factors were prepared using polyelectrolyte solutions with different concentrations (4-10%) to control the growth factor release rate. Release kinetics was studied using albumin as the model drug and the populations that release their contents very early and very late in the release study were selected to carry BMP-2 and BMP-7, respectively. Foam porosity changed when the microspheres were loaded. Bone marrow derived stem cells (BMSC) from rats were seeded into these foams. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were found to be lowest and cell proliferation was highest at all time points with foams carrying both the microsphere populations, regardless of BMP presence. With the present doses used neither BMP-2 nor BMP-7 delivery had any direct effect on proliferation, however, they enhanced osteogenic differentiation. Co-administration of BMP enhanced osteogenic differentiation to a higher degree than with their single administration.     

Poly(propylene fumarate) reinforced dicalcium phosphate dihydrate cement composites for bone tissue engineering

Calcium phosphate cements have many desirable properties for bone tissue engineering, including osteoconductivity, resorbability, and amenability to rapid prototyping-based methods for scaffold fabrication. In this study, we show that dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) cements, which are highly resorbable but also inherently weak and brittle, can be reinforced with poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) to produce strong composites with mechanical properties suitable for bone tissue engineering. Characterization of DCPD-PPF composites revealed significant improvements in mechanical properties for cements with a 1.0 powder to liquid ratio. Compared with nonreinforced controls, flexural strength improved from 1.80 ± 0.19 MPa to 16.14 ± 1.70 MPa, flexural modulus increased from 1073.01 ± 158.40 MPa to 1303.91 ± 110.41 MPa, maximum displacement during testing increased from 0.11 ± 0.04 mm to 0.51 ± 0.09 mm, and work of fracture improved from 2.74 ± 0.78 J/m(2) to 249.21 ± 81.64 J/m(2) . To demonstrate the utility of our approach for scaffold fabrication, 3D macroporous scaffolds were prepared with rapid prototyping technology. Compressive testing revealed that PPF reinforcement increased scaffold strength from 0.31 ± 0.06 MPa to 7.48 ± 0.77 MPa. Finally, 3D PPF-DCPD scaffolds were implanted into calvarial defects in rabbits for 6 weeks. Although the addition of mesenchymal stem cells to the scaffolds did not significantly improve the extent of regeneration, numerous bone nodules with active osteoblasts were observed within the scaffold pores, especially in the peripheral regions. Overall, the results of this study suggest that PPF-DCPD composites may be promising scaffold materials for bone tissue engineering.     

In vitro characterization of hepatocyte growth factor release from PHBV/PLGA microsphere scaffold

Polymer scaffolds which can support cells to grow as well as deliver growth factors to the cells simultaneously have great potential for the successful regeneration of failed tissues. As popularly used vehicles to deliver anti-cancer drugs and growth factors, microspheres also show many advantages as substrates to guide the growth of cells. Therefore, we aimed to examine the feasibility of using microspheres as ideal scaffolds for liver tissue engineering. To determine the capabilities of previously used microsphere scaffold to deliver growth factors simultaneously, this work investigated a long-term (about three months) release of bovine serum albumin (BSA) from microsphere scaffolds fabricated by using two different polymers, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV, 8% PHV), poly(lactide-co-glycolide) acid (PLGA, 5050) and a blend of PLGA and PHBV. BSA served as a model for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) since both proteins have similar molecular weights and hydrophilicity. Furthermore, HGF was encapsulated into the PLGA/PHBV composite microsphere with a core-shell structure, and sustained delivery of HGF with maintained bioactivity was achieved for at least 40 days. The moderate degradation rate (about 55% loss of the initial mass) and well-preserved structure after three months of incubation indicated that the PLGA/PHBV composite microspheres would therefore be more suitable than the pure PHBV or PLGA microspheres as a scaffold for engineering liver tissue.     

Fabrication and characterization of poly(propylene fumarate) scaffolds with controlled pore structures using 3-dimensional printing and injection molding

Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) is an injectable, biodegradable polymer that has been used for fabricating preformed scaffolds in tissue engineering applications because of in situ crosslinking characteristics. Aiming for understanding the effects of pore structure parameters on bone tissue ingrowth, 3-dimensional (3D) PPF scaffolds with controlled pore architecture have been produced in this study from computer-aided design (CAD) models. We have created original scaffold models with 3 pore sizes (300, 600, and 900 microm) and randomly closed 0%, 10%, 20%, or 30% of total pores from the original models in 3 planes. PPF scaffolds were fabricated by a series steps involving 3D printing of support/build constructs, dissolving build materials, injecting PPF, and dissolving support materials. To investigate the effects of controlled pore size and interconnectivity on scaffolds, we compared the porosities between the models and PPF scaffolds fabricated thereby, examined pore morphologies in surface and cross-section using scanning electron microscopy, and measured permeability using the falling head conductivity test. The thermal properties of the resulting scaffolds as well as uncrosslinked PPF were determined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Average pore sizes and pore shapes of PPF scaffolds with 600- and 900-microm pores were similar to those of CAD models, but they depended on directions in those with 300-microm pores. Porosity and permeability of PPF scaffolds decreased as the number of closed pores in original models increased, particularly when the pore size was 300 microm as the result of low porosity and pore occlusion. These results show that 3D printing and injection molding technique can be applied to crosslinkable polymers to fabricate 3D porous scaffolds with controlled pore structures, porosity, and permeability using their CAD models.     

Enhancement of ectopic bone formation by bone morphogenetic protein-2 released from a heparin-conjugated poly(L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffold

In this study, a heparin-conjugated poly(l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (HP-PLGA) scaffold was developed for the sustained delivery of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), and then used to address the hypothesis that BMP-2 delivered from this scaffold could enhance ectopic bone formation. We found the amount of heparin conjugated to the PLGA scaffolds could be increased up to 3.2-fold by using scaffolds made from star-shaped PLGA, as compared to scaffolds made from linear PLGA, and that the release of BMP-2 from the HP-PLGA scaffold was sustained for at least 14 days in vitro. The BMP-2 released from the HP-PLGA scaffold stimulated an increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of osteoblasts for 14 days in vitro, suggesting that the HP-PLGA scaffold delivery system releases BMP-2 in a bioactive form for a prolonged period. By contrast, BMP-2 release from unmodified (no heparin) PLGA scaffolds induced a transient increase in ALP activity for the first 3 days and a decrease thereafter. In vivo bone formation studies showed the BMP-2-loaded HP-PLGA scaffolds induced bone formation to a much greater extent than did either BMP-2-loaded unmodified PLGA scaffolds or unloaded (no BMP-2) HP-PLGA scaffolds, with 9-fold greater bone formation area and 4-fold greater calcium content in the BMP-2-loaded HP-PLGA scaffold group compared to the BMP-2-loaded unmodified PLGA scaffold group. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the HP-PLGA delivery system is capable of potentiating the osteogenic efficacy of BMP-2, and underscore its importance as a possible bone regeneration strategy.     

Segmental bone regeneration using a load-bearing biodegradable carrier of bone morphogenetic protein-2

Segmental defect regeneration has been a clinical challenge. Current tissue-engineering approach using porous biodegradable scaffolds to delivery osteogenic cells and growth factors demonstrated success in facilitating bone regeneration in these cases. However, due to the lack of mechanical property, the porous scaffolds were evaluated in non-load bearing area or were stabilized with stress-shielding devices (bone plate or external fixation). In this paper, we tested a scaffold that does not require a bone plate because it has sufficient biomechanical strength. The tube-shaped scaffolds were manufactured from poly(propylene) fumarate/tricalcium phosphate (PPF/TCP) composites. Dicalcium phosphate dehydrate (DCPD) were used as bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) carrier. Twenty-two scaffolds were implanted in 5mm segmental defects in rat femurs stabilized with K-wire for 6 and 15 weeks with and without 10 microg of rhBMP-2. Bridging of the segmental defect was evaluated first radiographically and was confirmed by histology and micro-computer tomography (microCT) imaging. The scaffolds in the BMP group maintained the bone length throughout the duration of the study and allow for bridging. The scaffolds in the control group failed to induce bridging and collapsed at 15 weeks. Peripheral computed tomography (pQCT) showed that BMP-2 does not increase the bone mineral density in the callus. Finally, the scaffold in BMP group was found to restore the mechanical property of the rat femur after 15 weeks. Our results demonstrated that the load-bearing BMP-2 scaffold can maintain bone length and allow successfully regeneration in segmental defects.     

Engineered cellular response to scaffold architecture in a rabbit trephine defect

Tight control of pore architecture in porous scaffolds for bone repair is critical for a fully elucidated tissue response. Solid freeform fabrication (SFF) enables construction of scaffolds with tightly controlled pore architecture. Four types of porous scaffolds were constructed using SFF and evaluated in an 8-mm rabbit trephine defect at 8 and 16 weeks (n = 6): a lactide/glycolide (50:50) copolymer scaffold with 20% w/w tri-calcium phosphate and random porous architecture (Group 1); another identical design made from poly(desaminotyrosyl-tyrosine ethyl ester carbonate) [poly(DTE carbonate)], a tyrosine-derived pseudo-polyamino acid (Group 2); and two poly(DTE carbonate) scaffolds containing 500 microm pores separated by 500-microm thick walls, one type with solid walls (Group 3), and one type with microporous walls (Group 4). A commercially available coralline scaffold (Interpore) with a 486-microm average pore size and empty defects were used as controls. There was no significant difference in the overall amount of bone ingrowth in any of the devices, as found by radiographic analysis, but patterns of bone formation matched the morphology of the scaffold. These results suggest that controlled scaffold architecture can be superimposed on biomaterial composition to design and construct scaffolds with improved fill time.     

In vitro degradation of porous poly(propylene fumarate)/poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) composite scaffolds

This study investigated the in vitro degradation of porous poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF-based) composites incorporating microparticles of blends of poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) during a 26-week period in pH 7.4 phosphate-buffered saline at 37 degrees C. Using a fractional factorial design, four formulations of composite scaffolds were fabricated with varying PEG content of the microparticles, microparticle mass fraction of the composite material, and initial leachable porogen content of the scaffold formulations. PPF scaffolds without microparticles were fabricated with varying leachable porogen content for use as controls. The effects of including PLGA/PEG microparticles in PPF scaffolds and the influence of alterations in the composite formulation on scaffold mass, geometry, water absorption, mechanical properties and porosity were examined for cylindrical specimens with lengths of 13 mm and diameters of 6.5 mm. The composite scaffold composition affected the extent of loss of polymer mass, scaffold length, and diameter, with the greatest loss of polymer mass equal to 15+/-5% over 26 weeks. No formulation, however, exhibited any variation in compressive modulus or peak compressive strength over time. Additionally, sample porosity, as determined by both mercury porosimetry and micro-computed tomography did not change during the period of this study. These results demonstrate that microparticle carriers can be incorporated into PPF scaffolds for localized delivery of bioactive molecules without altering scaffold mechanical or structural properties up to 26 weeks in vitro.     

用复合诱导型骨修复材料修复兔桡骨缺损的实验研究

以不同的载药方式构建4种壳聚糖/聚羟基丁酸酯-羟基戊酸酯(PHBV)复合诱导型骨修复材料,检测并比较4种支架材料对兔桡骨缺损的修复效果,筛选出最佳骨修复材料并确定最佳药物控释方式。以淫羊藿苷为诱导因子,采用两相混合冷冻干燥技术以微球载药、改性药物微球(W/O法制得并表征)、改性药物与材料共价结合等药物添加方式及不加药制得4种支架材料,并对其进行显微结构以及载药支架药物缓释表征,后将4种材料分别植入兔桡骨缺损处,于1、3、6个月进行X射线及三维CT观察支架材料对兔桡骨缺损的修复情况,HE,Masson染色观察其诱导成骨效果。结果表明,支架材料呈网络状串珠状的显微结构,载药微球粒径分布在3～11 μm,载药支架材料有着良好的药物缓释,其中共价结合组药物释放峰值时间较其他组推迟,为72 h,且峰值后药物缓释量迅速平稳为75 μg左右。X射线及三维CT观察显示,最终共价结合组支架材料骨缺损处连通,且骨密度高于其他3组。HE、Masson染色结果显示,共价结合组成骨效果优于其他组。共价结合的药物添加方式能使支架具有良好的药物缓释效果,进而对兔桡骨缺损表现出良好的修复效果。     

Effect of conditioning methods on the microtensile bond strength of phosphate monomer-based cement on zirconia ceramic in dry and aged conditions

Scaffold fabrication for regenerating functional human tissues has an important role in tissue engineering, and there has been much progress in research on scaffold fabrication. However, current methods are limited by the mechanical properties of existing biodegradable materials and the irregular structures that they produce. Recently, several promising biodegradable materials have been introduced, including poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF). The development of micro-stereolithography allows the fabrication of free-form 3D microstructures as designed. Since this technology requires a low-viscosity resin to fabricate fine structures, we reduced the viscosity of PPF by adding diethyl fumarate. Using our system, the curing characteristics and material properties of the resin were analyzed experimentally. Then, we fabricated waffle shape and 3D scaffolds containing several hundred regular micro pores. This method controlled the pore size, porosity, interconnectivity, and pore distribution. The results show that micro-stereolithography has big advantages over conventional fabrication methods. In addition, the ultimate strength and elastic modulus of the fabricated scaffolds were measured, and cell adhesion to the fabricated scaffold was observed by growing seeded cells on it. These results showed that the PPF/DEF scaffold is a potential bone scaffold for tissue engineering.     

Performance of degradable composite bone repair products made via three-dimensional fabrication techniques

This study analyzed the in vivo performance of composite degradable bone repair products fabricated using the TheriForm process, a solid freeform fabrication (SFF) technique, in a rabbit calvarial defect model at 8 weeks. Scaffolds were composed of polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) polymer with 20% w/w beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) ceramic with engineered macroscopic channels, a controlled porosity gradient, and a controlled pore size for promotion of new bone ingrowth. Scaffolds with engineered macroscopic channels and a porosity gradient had higher percentages of new bone area compared to scaffolds without engineered channels. These scaffolds also had higher percentages of new bone area compared to unfilled control defects, suggesting that scaffold material and design combinations could be tailored to facilitate filling of bony defects. This proof-of-concept study demonstrated that channel size, porosity, and pore size can be controlled and used to influence new bone formation and calvarial defect healing.     

Heterobifunctional poly(ethylene glycol)-tethered bone morphogenetic protein-2-stimulated bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell differentiation and osteogenesis

We describe a biomimetic mode of insoluble signaling stimulation to provide target delivery of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), with the aim of prolonging the retention of BMP-2 use in bone tissue engineering and to enable its localized release in response to cellular activity. In our novel localization process, we used heterobifunctional acrylate-N-hydroxysuccinimide poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a spacer to tether BMP-2 onto a poly(lactide-co-glycolide) scaffold. Use of PEG-tethered BMP-2 was feasible because BMP-2 retained its activity after covalent conjugation. The PEG-tethered BMP-2 conjugate sustained stimulation and retained its mitogenic activity, notably affecting pluripotent stem cell proliferation and differentiation. We seeded the scaffolds with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells as progenitor cells to evaluate their morphology and phenotypic expression. We also created bilateral, full-thickness cranial defects in rabbits to investigate the osteogenic effect of cultured mesenchymal stromal cells on bone regeneration in vivo. Histomorphometry and histology demonstrated that the PEG-tethered BMP-2 conjugate enhanced de novo bone formation after surgery. Our work revealed the potential for biomimetic surface engineering by entrapping signaling growth factor to stimulate osteogenesis. Our technique may provide a new platform for bone-engineered stem cell therapies.     

Rapid prototyping of tissue-engineering constructs, using photopolymerizable hydrogels and stereolithography

One of the most important aspects of tissue engineering is the design of the scaffold providing the mechanical strength and access to nutrients for the new tissue. For customized tissue engineering, it is essential to be able to fabricate three-dimensional scaffolds of various geometric shapes, in order to repair defects caused by accidents, surgery, or birth. Rapid prototyping or solid free-form fabrication (SFF) techniques hold great promise for designing three-dimensional customized scaffolds, yet traditional cell-seeding techniques may not provide enough cell mass for larger constructs. This article presents a novel attempt to fabricate three-dimensional scaffolds, using hydrogels combined with cell encapsulation to fabricate high-density tissue constructs. A commercially available stereolithography technique was applied to fabricate scaffolds using poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate photopolymerizable hydrogels. Mechanical characterization shows the constructs to be comparable with soft tissues in terms of elasticity. High cell viability was achieved and high-density constructs fabricated.     

Novel scaffolds fabricated from protein-loaded microspheres for tissue engineering

Biodegradable scaffolds play an important role in tissue engineering by providing physical and biochemical support for both differentiated and progenitor cells. Here, we describe a novel method for incorporating proteins in 3D biodegradable scaffolds by utilizing protein-loaded microspheres as the building blocks for scaffold formation. Poly(l,d-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) were fused into scaffolds using dichloromethane vapor for various time intervals. Microspheres containing 0, 0.4, 1.5, 4.3% BSA showed that increased protein loading required increased fusion time for scaffold fabrication. Protein release from the scaffolds was quantified in vitro over 20 days and compared to that of loose microspheres. Scaffolds had a slightly lower (up to 20%) release over the first 10 days, however, the cumulative release from both microspheres and scaffolds at the end of the study was not statistically different and the rate of release was the same, indicating that microsphere release can be predictive of scaffold kinetics. Scaffolds fused from larger (113.3 +/- 58.0 microm) rather than smaller (11.15 +/- 11.08 microm) microspheres, generated pores on the order of 200 microm as compared to 20 microm, respectively, showing control over pore size. In addition, four dyes (carbon black, acid green, red 27, and fast green FCF) were encapsulated in PLGA microspheres and fused into homogeneous and partitioned scaffolds, indicating control over spatial distribution within the scaffold. Finally, the scaffolds were seeded with fibroblast cells, which attached and were well spread over the polymer surface after 4h of incubation. These results highlight the versatility of this simple scaffold fusion method for incorporating essentially any combination of loaded microspheres into a 3D structure, making this a powerful tool for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications.