Bone Scaffolds Based on Degradable Vaterite/PEG-Composite Microgels

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Calcium Carbonate Chemistry

Background:

• Vaterite, a metastable calcium carbonate, shows potential for bone regeneration due to its conversion to hydroxyapatite.
• Developing suitable scaffolds that support cell viability and promote bone formation is crucial for tissue engineering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize microgels for encapsulating vaterite particles and osteoblast cells.
• To tailor microgel properties, including size, mechanical stiffness, and gelation time, for optimal bone tissue regeneration applications.

Main Methods:

• Droplet-based microfluidics were employed to control microgel size and shape.
• Functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was used, reacting via cytocompatible thiol-ene Michael addition.
• Microgel stiffness and gelation times were adjusted to ensure high cellular viabilities.

Main Results:

• Monodisperse, sub-millimeter-sized microgels encapsulating vaterite and osteoblast cells were successfully synthesized.
• The functionalized PEG system demonstrated absence of cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability.
• Adjusted microgel properties supported high cellular viabilities, creating a platform for studying bone formation and regenerative therapies.

Conclusions:

• The developed microgel system provides a versatile scaffold for bone tissue regeneration.
• This platform facilitates in vitro studies of cellular processes relevant to bone formation.
• The microgels hold promise for novel in vitro tissue-regenerative therapies.