14-3-3ε protein-loaded 3D hydrogels favor osteogenesis
Ana A Aldana1,2, Marina Uhart3, Gustavo A Abraham1
1Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales, INTEMA (UNMdP-CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina.
Journal of Materials Science. Materials in Medicine
|November 3, 2020
Summary
This study demonstrates 3D printed gelatin methacrylate/alginate hydrogels with 14-3-3ε protein successfully promote osteogenic differentiation in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASC) for bone tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- 3D printing is a key biofabrication technique for creating functional tissues.
- Developing advanced hydrogel scaffolds is crucial for bone tissue engineering.
- Incorporating specific proteins can enhance cellular responses within scaffolds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate GelMA/alginate hydrogel scaffolds using 3D printing.
- To investigate the effect of encapsulated 14-3-3ε protein on hASC osteogenic differentiation.
- To evaluate the potential of these scaffolds for bone regeneration applications.
Main Methods:
- Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and alginate hydrogels were prepared and 3D printed into grid-like structures.
- Photo-crosslinking was employed to stabilize the printed scaffolds.
- Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASC) were encapsulated within the hydrogels, some loaded with 14-3-3ε protein.
- Osteogenic differentiation of hASC was assessed.
Main Results:
- 3D printed GelMA/alginate scaffolds exhibited structural stability after photo-crosslinking.
- Alginate viscosity influenced pore size and strand width, with higher viscosity improving printing accuracy.
- Hydrogels loaded with 14-3-3ε protein significantly induced osteogenic differentiation of hASC.
- The protein enhanced both cell adhesion and proliferation.
Conclusions:
- GelMA/alginate hydrogels are suitable for 3D printing bone tissue engineering scaffolds.
- Encapsulation of 14-3-3ε protein within these scaffolds promotes hASC osteogenic differentiation.
- This approach holds promise for developing advanced bone regeneration strategies.
