Novel factor-loaded polyphosphazene matrices: potential for driving angiogenesis

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Current bone tissue engineered scaffolds often lack vascularization capabilities.
• Angiogenic factors are crucial for enhancing scaffold vascularization.
• Polyphosphazenes (Pphos) offer a promising platform for controlled release applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize protein-loaded Pphos-based scaffolds using a novel sintering method.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a solvent-non-solvent technique for protein incorporation.
• To assess the potential for developing angiogenic factor-loaded Pphos matrices for neovascularization.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Pphos and Pphos-hydroxyapatite (HAp) composite microspheres via emulsion solvent evaporation.
• Protein loading using a novel solvent-non-solvent approach with bovine serum albumin (BSA).
• Characterization of scaffold morphology, porosity, protein structure, distribution, and release kinetics.

Main Results:

• Porous microsphere scaffolds exhibited sufficient sintering and porosity within the trabecular bone range.
• The solvent sintering method preserved the secondary protein structure of BSA.
• BSA demonstrated a steady, zero-order release profile over 21 days, with HAp improving the pattern.

Conclusions:

• The novel solvent-non-solvent technique is optimal for protein loading into Pphos scaffolds.
• HAp incorporation enhances the release profile, indicating potential for growth factor delivery.
• These Pphos scaffolds show promise for developing angiogenic factor-loaded matrices to induce neovascularization.