Influence of in vitro differentiation status on the in vivo bone regeneration of cell/chitosan microspheres using a rat cranial defect model

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the in vitro osteogenic differentiation status on the in vivo bone regeneration of cell/chitosan microspheres qualitatively and quantitatively. To this end, rat bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) were seeded onto apatite-coated chitosan microspheres. The constructs were osteogenically differentiated for 0, 7, 14, and 21?days followed by calvarial defect implantation in vivo for up to 8?weeks. In vitro studies showed that BMSCs in the constructs proliferated from day 0 to day 7. The activity and gene expression of alkaline phosphatise increased from day 0 to day 14 and then decreased. The gene expression of collagen type I and osteocalcin peaked at day 21. In vivo, constructs retrieved from day 0 group were filled with fibrous tissues and capillaries, but no bone formation was observed. Constructs retrieved from day 7 and day 21 groups showed progressive bone formation, whereas those retrieved from day 14 group had the highest percentage of bone formation. These data suggested that to generate a substantial amount of bone in vivo, not only the in vitro osteogenic differentiation was necessary, but also the period of pre-differentiation was important for the cell-scaffold constructs. The period of pre-differentiation for 14?days was found to be the most suitable for chitosan microspheres.     

Apatite-Coated Porous Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Microspheres as an Injectable Bone Substitute

Previously, we developed an apatite-coated non-porous poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microsphere (ANPM) as an injectable bone substitute. We hypothesized that an apatite-coated porous PLGA microsphere (APPM) would have enhanced osteogenic potential compared to that of an ANPM. To test the hypothesis, critical-sized bone defects were made in mouse calvaria, and APPMs and ANPMs were implanted in the defects for 8 weeks. New bone formed around both types of bone substitutes implanted in mouse calvarial defects. Importantly, the portion of bone-like tissue area in the implant cross-sectional area was significantly higher in the APPM group than in the ANPM group (36.9% versus 14.6%, P < 0.001). Fluorochrome-labeling analysis showed that bone regeneration occurred in the pores of implanted APPMs. The results show that APPM may be useful as a bone substitute in orthopedic applications.     

The use of ASCs engineered to express BMP2 or TGF-β3 within scaffold constructs to promote calvarial bone repair

Calvarial bone healing is difficult and grafts comprising adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)) scaffolds barely heal rabbit calvarial defects. Although calvarial bone forms via intramembranous ossification without cartilage templates, it was suggested that chondrocytes/cartilages promote calvarial healing, thus we hypothesized that inducing ASCs chondrogenesis and endochondral ossification involving cartilage formation can improve calvarial healing. To evaluate this hypothesis and selectively induce osteogenesis/chondrogenesis, rabbit ASCs were engineered to express the potent osteogenic (BMP2) or chondrogenic (TGF-β3) factor, seeded into either apatite-coated PLGA or gelatin sponge scaffolds, and allotransplanted into critical-size calvarial defects. Among the 4 ASCs/scaffold constructs, gelatin constructs elicited in vitro chondrogenesis, in vivo osteogenic metabolism and calvarial healing more effectively than apatite-coated PLGA, regardless of BMP2 or TGF-β3 expression. The BMP2-expressing ASCs/gelatin triggered better bone healing than TGF-β3-expressing ASCs/gelatin, filling ≈86% of the defect area and ≈61% of the volume at week 12. The healing proceeded via endochondral ossification, instead of intramembranous pathway, as evidenced by the formation of cartilage that underwent osteogenesis and hypertrophy. These data demonstrated ossification pathway switching and significantly augmented calvarial healing by the BMP2-expressing ASCs/gelatin constructs, and underscored the importance of growth factor/scaffold combinations on the healing efficacy and pathway.     

Apatite-coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres as an injectable scaffold for bone tissue engineering

Biodegradable polymer/ceramic composite scaffold could overcome limitations of biodegradable polymers or ceramics for bone regeneration. Injectable scaffold has raised great interest for bone regeneration in vivo, since it allows one for easy filling of irregularly shaped bone defects and implantation of osteogenic cells through minimally invasive surgical procedures The purpose of this study was to determine whether apatite-coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres could be used as an injectable scaffold to regenerate bone in vivo. Apatite-coated PLGA microspheres were fabricated by incubating PLGA microspheres in simulated body fluid. The apatite that coated the PLGA microsphere surfaces was similar to apatite in natural bone, as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction spectra, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and Fourier transformed-infrared spectroscopy analyses. Rat osteoblasts were mixed with apatite-coated PLGA microspheres and injected immediately into subcutaneous sites of athymic mice. Osteoblast transplantation with plain PLGA microspheres served as a control. Histological analysis of the implants at 6 weeks with hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining, and von Kossa staining revealed much better regeneration of bone in the apatite-coated PLGA microsphere group than the plain PLGA microsphere group. The new bone formation area and the calcium content of the implants were significantly higher in the apatite-coated PLGA microsphere group than in the plain PLGA microsphere group. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using apatite-coated PLGA microspheres as an injectable scaffold for in vivo bone tissue engineering. This scaffold may be useful for bone regeneration through minimally invasive surgical procedures in orthopedic applications.     

Efficient Bone Regeneration Induced by Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Released from Apatite-Coated Collagen Scaffolds

Abstract

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are the most potent osteoinductive growth factors. Clinically utilized BMP-2 uses a type-I collagen scaffold as a carrier. Here we hypothesized that an apatite coating on a type-I collagen scaffold would prolong the BMP-2 release period and enhance bone regeneration in calvarial defects in mice. Apatite coating was achieved by incubating collagen scaffolds in simulated body fluid. BMP-2 release kinetics and bioactivity were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and alkaline phosphatase activity measurement of cultured osteoblasts. Computed tomography and histomorphometry were performed eight weeks after various doses of BMP-2 were delivered to mouse calvarial defects using either non-modified or apatite-coated collagen scaffolds. Apatite-coated collagen scaffolds released 91.8 ± 11.5% of the loaded BMP-2 over 13 days in vitro, whereas non-modified collagen scaffolds released 98.3 ± 2.2% over the initial one day. The in vivo study showed that BMP-2 delivery with apatite-coated collagen scaffolds resulted in a significantly greater bone formation area and higher bone density than that with non-modified collagen scaffolds. This study suggests that simple apatite coating on collagen scaffolds can enhance the bone regeneration efficacy of BMP-2 released from collagen scaffolds.     

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.     

Balancing mechanical strength with bioactivity in chitosan–calcium phosphate 3D microsphere scaffolds for bone tissue engineering: air- vs. freeze-drying processes

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential benefit of 3D composite scaffolds composed of chitosan and calcium phosphate for bone tissue engineering. Additionally, incorporation of mechanically weak lyophilized microspheres within those air-dried (AD) was considered for enhanced bioactivity. AD microsphere, alone, and air- and freeze-dried microsphere (FDAD) 3D scaffolds were evaluated in vitro using a 28-day osteogenic culture model with the Saos-2 cell line. Mechanical testing, quantitative microscopy, and lysozyme-driven enzymatic degradation of the scaffolds were also studied. FDAD scaffold showed a higher concentration (p?<?0.01) in cells per scaffold mass vs. AD constructs. Collagen was ～31% greater (p?<?0.01) on FDAD compared to AD scaffolds not evident in microscopy of microsphere surfaces. Alternatively, AD scaffolds demonstrated a superior threefold increase in compressive strength over FDAD (12 vs. 4?MPa) with minimal degradation. Inclusion of FD spheres within the FDAD scaffolds allowed increased cellular activity through improved seeding, proliferation, and extracellular matrix production (as collagen), although mechanical strength was sacrificed through introduction of the less stiff, porous FD spheres.     

Development of chitosan/gelatin hydrogels incorporation of biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles for bone tissue engineering

Abstract

The chitosan/gelatin hydrogel incorporated with biphasic calcium phosphate nanoparticles (BCP-NPs) as scaffold (CGB) for bone tissue engineering was reported in this article. Such nanocomposite hydrogels were fabricated by using cycled freeze-thawing method, of which physicochemical and biological properties were regulated by adjusting the weight ratio of chitosan/gelatin/BCP-NPs. The needle-like BCP-NPs were dispersed into composites uniformly, and physically cross-linked with chitosan and gelatin, which were identified via Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. The porosity, equilibrium swelling ratio, and compressive strength of CGB scaffolds were mainly influenced by the BCP-NPs concentration. In vitro degradation analysis in simulated body fluids (SBF) displayed that CGB scaffolds were degraded up to at least 30?wt% in one month. Also, CCK-8 analysis confirmed that the prepared scaffolds had a good cytocompatibility through in culturing with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Finally, In vivo animal experiments revealed that new bone tissue was observed inside the scaffolds, and gradually increased with increasing months, when implanted CGB scaffolds into large necrotic lesions of rabbit femoral head. The above results suggested that prepared CGB nanocomposites had the potential to be applied in bone tissue engineering.     

成骨生长肽壳聚糖-海藻酸钠微球的制备及体外检测

背景：成骨生长肽体外注射可以刺激外周血和骨髓细胞数增加,增加动物的骨量,加速骨折愈合,但因多肽不稳定性及注射应用不方便,限制了其临床应用。 目的：应用乳化交联法制备成骨生长肽壳聚糖-海藻酸钠缓释微球,并对其粒径、载药、体外释药、理化特性进行检测。 方法：以戊二醛作为交联剂,应用乳化交联法制备具有控制释放功能的负载成骨生长肽壳聚糖-海藻酸钠微球,显微镜及扫描电镜观察微球的形态和粒径;利用酶联免疫吸附实验动态检测成骨生长肽壳聚糖-海藻酸钠微球的载药率、包封率和缓释规律。 结果与结论：乳化交联法制备的壳聚糖-海藻酸钠微球,球形良好,球体表面有较多微孔,具有较高的包封率(>72%)。体外药物释放实验表明,成骨生长肽可以从壳聚糖-海藻酸钠微球中缓慢释放,整个释放过程可达49 d,累积释放率>85%。提示应用乳化交联法制备的负载成骨生长肽壳聚糖-海藻酸钠缓释微球,具有很好的控制释放成骨生长肽的能力。     

Membrane of hybrid chitosan–silica xerogel for guided bone regeneration

Chitosan–silica xerogel hybrid membranes were fabricated using a sol–gel process and their potential applications in guided bone regeneration (GBR) were investigated in terms of their in vitro cellular activity and in vivo bone regeneration ability. TEM observation revealed that the silica xerogel was dispersed in the chitosan matrix on the nanoscale. The hybrid membrane showed superior mechanical properties to chitosan in the wet state and the rapid induction of calcium phosphate minerals in simulated body fluid, reflecting its excellent in vitro bone bioactivity. Osteoblastic cells were observed to adhere well and grow actively on the hybrid membrane to a level higher than that observed on the chitosan membrane. The alkaline phosphatase activity of the cells was also much higher on the hybrid than on the chitosan membrane. The in vivo study in a rat calvarial model demonstrated significantly enhanced bone regeneration using the hybrid membrane compared to that observed using the pure chitosan one. Histomorphometric analysis performed 3 weeks after implantation revealed a fully closed defect in the hybrid membrane, whereas there was only 57% defect closure in the chitosan membrane.     

生长因子缓释系统复合纳米支架材料修复犬下颌骨缺损

背景：支架材料联合细胞因子构建组织工程骨不受血管化和细胞培养因素的限制,这种构建模式可能诱导出较大体积的实用型组织工程骨。 目的：观察壳聚糖纳米微球/纳米羟基磷灰石/聚乳酸-羟基乙酸复合生长因子缓释支架修复犬下颌骨临界骨缺损的能力。 方法：取杂种犬12条,制作双侧下颌骨临界骨缺损模型,一侧植入复合生长因子骨形态发生蛋白2、转化生长因子β1及血管内皮生长因子165的壳聚糖纳米微球/纳米羟基磷灰石/聚乳酸-羟基乙酸缓释支架(实验组),另一侧植入壳聚糖纳米微球/纳米羟基磷灰石/聚乳酸-羟基乙酸缓释支架(对照组),术后4,8,12周取下颌骨标本行X 射线、组织学及免疫组织化学检查。 结果与结论：实验组术后不同时间点X射线灰度值及骨钙素积分吸光度值均高于对照组(P < 0.05),表明复合生长因子的支架材料修复骨缺损的成骨能力优于未复合生长因子的支架材料。组织学观察结果显示,实验组术后不同时间点成骨时间及效果均优于对照组,表明复合生长因子骨形态发生蛋白2、转化生长因子β1及血管内皮生长因子165的壳聚糖纳米微球/纳米羟基磷灰石/聚乳酸-羟基乙酸缓释支架可更快更有效地促进骨缺损修复。     

Osteogenic differentiation and angiogenesis with cocultured adipose-derived stromal cells and bone marrow stromal cells

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of cocultured adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) in enhancing the osteogenic differentiation and angiogenesis of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) as well as the underlying mechanism and the optimal ratio. Two in vitro coculture models, segregated cocultures using transwell and mixed cocultures, were employed to assess the indirect and direct effects of coculture respectively. Coculture was carried out for 14 days using 1 × 10⁵ BMSCs and ASCs of variable number. BMSCs, ASCs, or both were seeded in PLGA scaffold and implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of 25 nude mice for in vivo analysis of angiogenesis. To evaluate the orthotopic bone formation, critical size calvarial defects were created on 20 mice, and implanted with hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate granules plus BMSCs, ASCs, or both. From both transwell and mixed coculture model, 1 × 10⁵ BMSCs cocultured with 0.5 × 10⁵ ASCs showed significantly greater osteogenic differentiation and mineralization than BMSCs alone. The mixed ASC/BMSC coculture at or above a ratio of 0.5/1 showed increased secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and induced effective tube formation from human umbilical vein endothelial cells, which were comparable to ASCs. Cytokine profiling assay and gene expression study showed elevated levels of angiogenic factors VEGF and CXCL1, osteogenic factor Wnt5a as well as transforming growth factor (TGF)-βR1 and SMAD3 from BMSCs when cocultured with ASCs. After 5 weeks of implantation, polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-ASCs-BMSCs had a number of vascular structures comparable to PLGA-ASCs and significantly greater than PLGA-BMSCs. Calvarial defects treated with ceramic/BMSCs/ASCs had greater area of repair and better reconstitution of osseous structure than the defects treated with ceramic/ASCs or ceramic/BMSCs after 10 weeks. In conclusion, ASCs added to BMSCs promoted osteogenesis and angiogenesis at the optimal ASC/BMSC ratio of 0.5/1.     

Blood vessel formation in the tissue-engineered bone with the constitutively active form of HIF-1α mediated BMSCs

The successful clinical outcome of the implanted tissue-engineered bone is dependent on the establishment of a functional vascular network. A gene-enhanced tissue engineering represents a promising approach for vascularization. Our previous study indicated that hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) can up-regulate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) in bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The angiogenesis is a co-ordinated process that requires the participation of multiple angiogenic factors. To further explore the angiogenic effect of HIF-1α mediated stem cells, in this study, we systematically evaluated the function of HIF-1α in enhancing BMSCs angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. A constitutively active form of HIF-1α (CA5) was inserted into a lentivirus vector and transduced into BMSCs, and its effect on vascularization and vascular remodeling was further evaluated in a rat critical-sized calvarial defects model with a gelatin sponge (GS) scaffold. The expression of the key angiogenic factors including VEGF, SDF-1, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), placental growth factor (PLGF), angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1), and stem cell factor (SCF) at both mRNAs and proteins levels in BMSCs were significantly enhanced by HIF-1α overexpression compared to the in vitro control group. In addition, HIF-1α-over expressing BMSCs showed dramatically improved blood vessel formation in the tissue-engineered bone as analyzed by photography of specimen, micro-CT, and histology. These data confirm the important role of HIF-1α in angiogenesis in tissue-engineered bone. Improved understanding of the mechanisms of angiogenesis may offer exciting therapeutic opportunities for vascularization, vascular remodeling, and bone defect repair using tissue engineering strategies in the future.     

Augmentation of skeletal tissue formation in impaction bone grafting using vaterite microsphere biocomposites

The development of particulate bone void fillers with added biological function to augment skeletal tissue formation will lead to improved efficacy in bone replacement surgery. We demonstrate the potential for vaterite microsphere biocomposites to augment bone matrix formation within an in vivo model for impaction bone grafting seeded with human bone marrow stromal cells. In vitro tests demonstrate the significance of vaterite microspheres in the activation and promotion of 3D skeletal tissue formation. Further in vitro experiments using functionalized microspheres with surface integrated RGD peptide activate co-cultured skeletal populations in pellets and promote secretion of extracellular matrix collagens and human osteocalcin. Specific temporal release of entrapped RNase A was successfully demonstrated using these specialized microspheres with integrated magnetic beads, which physically disrupted the inorganic macrostructure. These studies demonstrate that bio-inspired calcium carbonate microspheres augment in vivo bone formation in impaction bone grafting. Such microspheres with added biological functionality offer innovative therapeutic approaches to activate skeletal populations and enhance bone formation with reparative implications for hard tissues.     

两种壳聚糖载rhBMP-2纳米微球对SD大鼠体内异位成骨的影响

目的　通过SD大鼠异位成骨实验来探究重组人骨形态发生蛋白-2/壳聚糖/硫酸葡聚糖(rhBMP-2/CS/DS) 复合微球和重组人骨形态发生蛋白-2/壳聚糖 (rhBMP-2/CS) 微球对SD大鼠体内异位成骨的影响。 方法　随机将36只SD大鼠平均分为三组（n=12）,分别为A组 (rhBMP-2), B组(rhBMP-2/CS), C组(rhBMP-2/CS/DS)。制备股四头肌肌袋模型后,分别将三种材料植入股四头肌肌袋肌间隙中。分别在4,8和12周时大体观察植入区组织硬度,每组处死4只大鼠后取出异位骨块,并切取异位骨化的组织行micro-CT扫描及 Mimics软件三维重建;检测各组织块骨体积分数（bone volume fraction,BVF）、骨小梁厚度（trabecular thichness,Tb.Th）、骨密度（bone mineral density,BMD）;并行组织学观察和ALP活性、钙含量检测。 结果 4周时,A、B、C三组植入区周围组织质地均稍硬,三者并无明显区别;8周和12周时,三组植入区硬度明显增加,且C组比A、B组质地更硬。4周时,HE染色可见三组有少量骨组织形成,但不明显;B、C两组BVF、Tb.Th、BMD,碱性磷酸酶（ALP）活性、钙含量均高于A组;B、C两组以上指标差异无统计学意义。8、12周时,HE染色可见到三组骨组织逐渐增多,并逐渐成熟,且B、C两组可见到比A组更成熟的骨组织,C组骨组织比B组更成熟;B、C两组BVF、Tb.Th、BMD,ALP活性、钙含量均高于A组,C组以上指标均高于B组。 结论　rhBMP-2/CS/DS纳米缓释微球的成骨效果明显强于rhBMP-2/CS纳米微球和单独rhBMP-2,其可能在骨组织工程领域有较好的运用前景。     

Synthesis, characterization of chitosans and fabrication of sintered chitosan microsphere matrices for bone tissue engineering

The objective of the present study was to synthesize and characterize chitosans with different degrees of deacetylation (DDA%), prepare chitosan microspheres with controlled chemistry and geometry, and fabricate three-dimensional (3-D) chitosan matrices based on microspheres with appropriate pore size, porosity and mechanical properties suitable for bone tissue engineering applications. Chitosans with three DDA% of 69%, 79% and 97% were obtained using a thermomechanochemical technique by varying the applied pressure and NaOH solution concentration. The prepared chitosans were comprehensively characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance, elemental analysis, viscosity measurements, thermal analyses and X-ray diffraction. In addition, chitosan microspheres were prepared using an ionotropic gelation method. Three-dimensional chitosan matrices were fabricated via a sintered microsphere technique. Scanning electron microscopy revealed rough surfaces of the prepared chitosan microspheres. Mercury intrusion porosimetry revealed a porosity of 19.2% and a median pore diameter of 199.62microm of the fabricated 3-D matrix. The compressive modulus of the sintered microsphere matrix (662.26+/-54.53MPa) was in the range of human cancellous bone (10-2000MPa), making it suitable for bone tissue engineering applications.     

壳聚糖微球复合丝素基硫酸钙骨水泥的理化特性

背景：脊柱成形和脊柱后凸成形治疗中采用的硫酸钙骨水泥理化性质好,对人体无毒性作用,同时具有降解性能,但单独使用降解较快。 目的：研制具有载药缓释功能的壳聚糖微球丝素基硫酸钙骨水泥。 方法：采用三聚磷酸钠乳化交联法制备壳聚糖微球。采用浓度分别为3%,6%,9%的丝素溶液与CaSO₄•0.5H₂O混合,通过万能力学试验机确定骨水泥力学性能最佳时的丝素浓度,在此浓度下,按壳聚糖微球占CaSO₄•0.5H₂O的质量比分别为0.5%,1%,5%的比例制备壳聚糖微球丝素基硫酸钙骨水泥,测定其抗压强度,并通过X射线多晶衍射仪及傅里叶红外光谱明确达到最佳抗压强度组的骨水泥成分,电镜观察复合骨水泥中壳聚糖微球的形态。 结果与结论：当丝素溶液浓度为6%,壳聚糖微球含量为0.5%时,复合骨水泥的抗压强度最大,为  (39.17±1.96) MPa,此时复合骨水泥的初凝时间为(12.99±1.63) min,终凝时间为(21.55±0.54) min;骨水泥中主要晶相组成为硫酸钙,傅里叶红外光谱结果证实复合骨水泥中含有丝素及壳聚糖;复合骨水泥中的微球表面稍有皱缩,但球形仍然完整,未见明显破坏,可见在制备复合骨水泥的过程中微球能保持稳定而不被破坏。中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：生物材料;骨生物材料; 口腔生物材料; 纳米材料; 缓释材料; 材料相容性;组织工程全文链接：     

The enhancement of bone regeneration by gene activated matrix encoding for platelet derived growth factor

Gene therapy using non-viral vectors that are safe and efficient in transfecting target cells is an effective approach to overcome the shortcomings of protein delivery of growth factors. The objective of this study was to develop and test a non-viral gene delivery system for bone regeneration utilizing a collagen scaffold to deliver polyethylenimine (PEI)-plasmid DNA (pDNA) [encoding platelet derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B)] complexes. The PEI-pPDGF-B complexes were fabricated at amine (N) to phosphate (P) ratio of 10 and characterized for size, surface charge, and in vitro cytotoxicity and transfection efficacy in human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). The influence of the complex-loaded collagen scaffold on cellular attachment and recruitment was evaluated in vitro using microscopy techniques. The in vivo regenerative capacity of the gene delivery system was assessed in 5 mm diameter critical-sized calvarial defects in Fisher 344 rats. The complexes were ∼100 nm in size with a positive surface charge. Complexes prepared at an N/P ratio of 10 displayed low cytotoxicity as assessed by a cell viability assay. Confocal microscopy revealed significant proliferation of BMSCs on complex-loaded collagen scaffolds compared to empty scaffolds. In vivo studies showed significantly higher new bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) % in calvarial defects treated with the complex-activated scaffolds following 4 weeks of implantation (14- and 44-fold higher) when compared to empty defects or empty scaffolds, respectively. Together, these findings suggest that non-viral PDGF-B gene-activated scaffolds are effective for bone regeneration and are an attractive gene delivery system with significant potential for clinical translation.     

Augmented healing of critical-size calvarial defects by baculovirus-engineered MSCs that persistently express growth factors

Repair of large calvarial bony defects remains clinically challenging because successful spontaneous calvarial re-ossification rarely occurs. Although bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) genetically engineered with baculovirus (BV) for transient expression of osteogenic/angiogenic factors hold promise for bone engineering, we hypothesized that calvarial bone healing necessitates prolonged growth factor expression. Therefore, we employed a hybrid BV vector system whereby one BV expressed FLP while the other harbored the BMP2 (or VEGF) cassette flanked by Frt sequences. Transduction of rabbit BMSCs with the FLP/Frt-based BV vector led to FLP-mediated episome formation, which not only extended the BMP2/VEGF expression beyond 28 days but augmented the BMSCs osteogenesis. After allotransplantation into rabbits, X-ray, PET/CT, μCT and histological analyses demonstrated that the sustained BMP2/VEGF expression remarkably ameliorated the angiogenesis and regeneration of critical-size (8 mm) calvarial defects, when compared with the group implanted with BMSCs transiently expressing BMP2/VEGF. The prolonged expression by BMSCs accelerated the bone remodeling and regenerated the bone through the natural intramembranous pathway, filling ≈83% of the area and ≈63% of the volume in 12 weeks. These data implicated the potential of the hybrid BV vector to engineer BMSCs for sustained BMP2/VEGF expression and the repair of critical-size calvarial defects.     

聚左旋乳酸/壳聚糖纳米纤维三维多孔支架复合骨髓间充质干细胞修复兔骨缺损**△

背景：骨髓间充质干细胞具有向多种间质细胞谱系分化的能力,且支架材料的性能对骨缺损的修复有重要影响。 目的：观察聚左旋乳酸/壳聚糖纳米纤维三维多孔支架复合骨髓间充质干细胞治疗骨缺损。 方法：对骨缺损模型兔分别采用空白植入、髂后上棘自体松质骨移植、聚左旋乳酸/壳聚糖纳米纤维多孔支架移植和复合了骨髓间充质干细胞的聚左旋乳酸/壳聚糖纳米纤维多孔支架移植修复缺损部位。 结果与结论：至移植12周,移植复合了骨髓间充质干细胞的聚左旋乳酸/壳聚糖纳米纤维多孔支架的实验兔的缺损处有骨组织生成,支架材料降解,已完成缺损修复,其修复情况接近松质骨组;髂后上棘自体松质骨移植的实验兔的缺损修复完好,新形成的骨组织较规则;只植入聚左旋乳酸/壳聚糖纳米纤维多孔支架的实验兔有少量骨组织形成,材料部分降解;空白植入的实验兔缺损处无新生骨组织生成,主要由纤维结缔组织填充。说明新型的生物支架材料聚左旋乳酸/壳聚糖纳米纤维三维多孔支架与来源于新西兰大白兔的骨髓间充质干细胞复合培养后,植入同种异体兔股骨髁缺损处,使骨缺损的修复速度加快,表现为较好的体内诱导成骨的作用。