ZnO/Nanocarbons-Modified Fibrous Scaffolds for Stem Cell-Based Osteogenic Differentiation

Currently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-based therapies for bone regeneration and treatments have gained significant attention in clinical research. Though many chemical and physical cues which influence the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs have been explored, scaffolds combining the benefits of Zn²⁺ ions and unique nanostructures may become an ideal interface to enhance osteogenic and anti-infective capabilities simultaneously. In this work, motivated by the enormous advantages of Zn-based metal-organic framework-derived nanocarbons, C-ZnO nanocarbons-modified fibrous scaffolds for stem cell-based osteogenic differentiation are constructed. The modified scaffolds show enhanced expression of alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, vinculin, and a larger cell spreading area. Meanwhile, the caging of ZnO nanoparticles can allow the slow release of Zn²⁺ ions, which not only activate various signaling pathways to guide osteogenic differentiation but also prevent the potential bacterial infection of implantable scaffolds. Overall, this study may provide new insight for designing stem cell-based nanostructured fibrous scaffolds with simultaneously enhanced osteogenic and anti-infective capabilities.