Combining Calcium Phosphates with Polysaccharides: A Bone-Inspired Material Modulating Monocyte/Macrophage Early...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Immunology

Background:

• Bone regenerative medicine utilizes inorganic calcium/phosphate with biopolymers.
• Exacerbated inflammation can hinder bone healing and implant integration.
• A balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory responses is crucial for successful bone regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a bioactive and osteoinductive scaffold using a spray-assisted system.
• To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of the developed scaffold on monocytes.
• To assess the potential of the scaffold in achieving a favorable inflammation-healing balance for bone regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a calcium phosphate/chitosan/hyaluronic acid substrate (CaP-CHI-HA) via spray-assisted system.
• Exposure of monocytes to CaP-CHI-HA, calcium phosphate (CaP), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
• Analysis of secreted growth factors, pro-inflammatory mediators, and anti-inflammatory cytokines; assessment of inflammatory index and calcium-sensing receptor expression.

Main Results:

• CaP-CHI-HA induced secretion of pro-healing factors (VEGF, TGF-β) and a controlled inflammatory response (inflammatory index < 1.5).
• Monocyte exposure to CaP-CHI-HA resulted in a mix of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines.
• Results suggest the chemical composition and calcium release from CaP-CHI-HA influence calcium-sensing receptor expression, independent of CD44.

Conclusions:

• The CaP-CHI-HA substrate effectively balances inflammation, creating a pro-healing microenvironment.
• This bioactive scaffold shows significant potential for enhancing bone healing and implant integration.
• The findings highlight the importance of tailored biomaterial design for modulating immune responses in regenerative medicine.