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Dipendra Gyawali1, Parvathi Nair, Harry K W Kim
1Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX ; Joint Biomedical Engineering Program, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and The University of Texas at Arlington, Dallas, TX 75390.
This study introduces a new injectable composite material for orthopedic use. The material is based on citrate-rich PEGMC and hydroxyapatite. It mimics the natural citrate-apatite interactions found in bone. The composite supports bone cell growth and mineral production. It is biodegradable and can be injected into bone defects. Ex vivo tests in porcine tissue show no adverse effects. This work represents a step toward next-generation bone biomaterials. The composite could help treat conditions like osteonecrosis.
Area of Science:
Background:
Natural bone contains apatite crystals bound with citrate molecules. Citrate influences bone development and load-bearing function. This knowledge has not been applied to biomaterial design. Bone grafts often lack citrate integration. Citrate’s role remains underexplored in synthetic materials. Current composites fail to mimic natural citrate-apatite interactions. No injectable citrate-based orthopedic material exists. This gap motivates the development of citrate-integrated composites.
Purpose Of The Study:
This study aims to create a citrate-based injectable composite for orthopedic use. The goal is to mimic natural citrate-apatite interactions. The material should support bone cell activity and mechanical function. It must also be biodegradable and injectable. The design uses PEGMC and HA to replicate citrate-apatite binding. The purpose is to enhance bone regeneration potential. The study seeks to validate the composite’s in vitro and ex vivo performance. This work addresses a gap in citrate-based biomaterials design.
Main Methods:
PEGMC was synthesized with maleate and citrate groups. HA was incorporated to mimic natural apatite. PEGMC and HA were combined with PEGDA for crosslinking. The crosslinking process controlled mechanical and degradation properties. Human fetal osteoblasts were encapsulated in the composite. DNA content, ALP activity, and calcium production were measured. Porcine femoral heads were used for ex vivo testing. The injectability and cell compatibility were evaluated.
Main Results:
PEGMC/HA composites showed enhanced cell compatibility. Encapsulated cells produced higher DNA content. ALP activity increased significantly in the composite. Calcium production was elevated compared to controls. The composite maintained injectability and structural integrity. Mechanical properties were tunable via crosslinking. Ex vivo tests showed no adverse reactions in porcine tissue. The material supports bone cell function and degradation.
Conclusions:
The citrate-based PEGMC/HA composite mimics natural bone interactions. The composite supports osteoblast activity and mineral production. It is injectable and biodegradable, suitable for orthopedic use. The material shows promise for treating bone defects. Ex vivo results support its potential for clinical application. The design integrates citrate-apatite interactions effectively. This work represents a step toward next-generation bone materials. The composite offers a foundation for future orthopedic biomaterials.
The composite supports enhanced DNA content, ALP activity, and calcium production in osteoblasts.
PEGMC contains carboxylic groups that chelate with calcium in HA, mimicking natural citrate-apatite interactions.
PEGDA crosslinks with PEGMC/HA to control mechanical properties and degradation rates.
HA mimics natural apatite and supports bone cell activity through calcium interactions.
DNA content, ALP activity, and calcium production were measured in encapsulated osteoblasts.
The study suggests the composite is a promising injectable material for treating osteonecrosis.