Biodegradable bead-on-spring nanofibers releasing β-carotene for bone tissue engineering

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Bone tissue engineering aims to regenerate bone defects using scaffolds and cells.
• Natural compounds like beta-carotene (βC) show potential for promoting osteogenesis.
• Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) is a widely used biodegradable polymer for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and evaluate bead-on-string scaffolds of PLGA releasing βC for bone regeneration.
• To investigate the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on these scaffolds.
• To assess the release kinetics of βC and its effect on osteogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PLGA bead-on-string scaffolds loaded with βC.
• Seeding of MSCs onto the scaffolds and assessment of cell attachment and proliferation (MTT, SEM).
• Analysis of βC release profile over 21 days.
• Evaluation of osteogenic differentiation via gene expression (RUNX2, SOX9, osteonectin) and calcination.

Main Results:

• PLGA bead-on-string scaffolds successfully supported MSC attachment and proliferation.
• Controlled release of βC was observed, with an initial burst followed by sustained release up to 21 days.
• MSCs differentiated into osteoblasts on the scaffolds without external osteogenic supplements.
• Scaffolds with 4% βC promoted early osteogenesis and advanced osteoblast maturation.

Conclusions:

• Bead-on-string PLGA scaffolds incorporating βC are effective for bone tissue engineering.
• These scaffolds facilitate MSC osteogenic differentiation and maturation.
• The βC-releasing scaffolds serve as a promising substrate for direct bone regeneration applications.