Oxygen-releasing nanofibers for breathable bone tissue engineering application.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Oxygen is crucial for cellular and tissue functions.
• Electrospun fibers are effective drug carriers but not utilized for oxygen release.
• Developing oxygen depots is essential for therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create an oxygen-releasing nanofibrous scaffold using polylactic acid and nano-calcium peroxide.
• To investigate the effect of polylactic acid concentration on oxygen release profiles.
• To evaluate the scaffold's impact on cell viability and mesenchymal stem cell behavior in hypoxia.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning of polylactic acid/nano-calcium peroxide suspensions at 6.5% and 13% w/v concentrations.
• Quantification of released oxygen over 14 days.
• Cell culture studies using MTT assay and microscopy to assess cell viability and mesenchymal stem cell behavior.
• Analysis of osteogenic markers (alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, calcium deposition).

Main Results:

• The nanofibrous scaffolds released oxygen (30-94 mmHg) within the physiological range of osseous tissue for 14 days.
• The 13% polylactic acid formulation exhibited a slower oxygen release rate and reduced burst release compared to the 6.5% formulation.
• The 13% polylactic acid fibers significantly enhanced cell viability and promoted mesenchymal stem cell adherence, arrangement, and migration under hypoxia.
• Both formulations positively influenced osteogenic differentiation markers in mesenchymal stem cells.

Conclusions:

• Novel oxygen-releasing nanofibrous scaffolds were successfully fabricated.
• The 13% polylactic acid concentration provides a more controlled oxygen release and superior biological outcomes.
• These scaffolds hold promise for applications in tissue regeneration, particularly in hypoxic environments.