MicroRNA functionalized microporous titanium oxide surface by lyophilization with enhanced osteogenic activity

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Developing titanium (Ti) implants with enhanced osteogenic ability and osseointegration is crucial for clinical success.
• Current methods require improvement for effective and sustained delivery of osteogenic factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate novel miRNA-functionalized microporous Ti implants for improved osseointegration.
• To investigate the efficacy of lyophilization for miRNA loading onto microarc oxidation (MAO) Ti surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of microporous Ti implants via microarc oxidation (MAO).
• Lyophilization of miRNA lipoplexes onto the MAO Ti surface.
• Seeding of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) onto functionalized implants.
• Assessment of miRNA transfection efficiency, cytotoxicity, and osteogenic differentiation.

Main Results:

• Successful loading and retention of miRNAs within microporous Ti surfaces.
• High miRNA transfection efficiency in MSCs with no observed cytotoxicity.
• Significant stimulation of MSC osteogenic differentiation, including gene expression, protein production, and matrix mineralization.
• Demonstrated enhancement of osteogenic activity using miR-29b and antimiR-138.

Conclusions:

• Novel miRNA-functionalized Ti implants promote rapid and robust osseointegration.
• Lyophilization is a versatile method for miRNA loading onto biomaterials to control cellular function.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for developing next-generation bone implants.