Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026
Author Spotlight: Insights into the Use of Apple-Derived Cellulose Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
Published on: February 23, 2024
Development of a simvastatin loaded injectable porous scaffold in situ formed by phase inversion method for bone
Mina Hajihasani Biouki1, Hamid Mobedi2, Akbar Karkhaneh3
11 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Introduction::
The use of injectable scaffolds as a minimally invasive method is a good choice in tissue engineering applications. A critical parameter for the tissue engineering scaffolds is a suitable morphology with interconnected pores. We present the development of a simvastatin loaded scaffold that forms in situ and provides the porous structure with interconnected pores.
Methods::
The formulation of these scaffolds includes a polymeric solution of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (25 wt%) in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone containing 6 wt% deionized water and porogen (mannitol, four times the weight of the polymer). We have grafted simvastatin to poly lactic-co-glycolic acid by the esterification reactions. Simvastatin or simvastatin-grafted poly lactic-co-glycolic acid in different levels was added to polymer solution and finally the solution was injected into phosphate buffered saline. The simvastatin-grafted poly lactic-co-glycolic acid was characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infra-red and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The morphology, porosity, and biocompatibility of the scaffolds were evaluated. The in vitro simvastatin release from the various formulations was studied. Osteogenic differentiation of the adipose-derived stem cells was investigated using alkaline phosphatase activity assay and cell mineralization was evaluated using Alizarin red staining.
Results::
The morphology results showed the resultant scaffold was porous with the interconnected pores. The scaffolds presented 91% porosity. Non-toxic doses of simvastatin in the scaffolds were determined by methyl-thiazolyl diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay. The released simvastatin from the scaffolds continues over 80 days. Alkaline phosphatase activity and Alizarin red results indicated that cell osteogenic differentiation is promoted.
Conclusion::
The results demonstrated that release of simvastatin from the injectable scaffolds can have positive effects on osteogenic differentiation of the adipose-derived stem cells.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Bone Cells and Tissue
Osteoblasts and Osteocytes
The osteoblast is the bone cell responsible for forming new bone tissue. It is found in the growing portions of bone, including the...
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
01:15Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
01:21Stem Cell Therapy for Tissue Regeneration
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell...
01:27Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue
01:23Bone as Supporting Connective Tissue
Bone Matrix
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a connective tissue that has a large amount of two different types of matrix material. The organic matrix is similar to the matrix material found in other connective tissues, including some amount of collagen and elastic fibers. This gives strength and flexibility to the tissue. The inorganic matrix consists of mineral salts— mostly calcium salts—...