Hybrid bioactive hydroxyapatite/polycaprolactone nanoparticles for enhanced osteogenesis

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HApN) are widely used for bone regeneration.
• Hybrid nanostructures offer enhanced bioactivity and osteogenic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize hybrid hydroxyapatite/polycaprolactone nanoparticles (HAp/PCL NPs).
• To evaluate the osteogenic potential and biocompatibility of HAp/PCL NPs compared to HApN.

Main Methods:

• Optimization of HApN properties using a 2^3-factorial design and wet chemical precipitation.
• Preparation of HAp/PCL NPs via direct emulsification-solvent evaporation.
• Assessment of cell proliferation, osteodifferentiation, and gene expression of osteogenic markers.

Main Results:

• Optimized HApN exhibited high crystallinity, appropriate Ca/P ratio, and mesoporosity.
• HAp/PCL NPs maintained HApN crystallinity without chemical interactions.
• Hybrid HAp/PCL NPs demonstrated superior mesenchymal cell proliferation and osteodifferentiation versus HApN, with reduced cytotoxicity.
• HAp/PCL NPs showed distinct expression patterns of osteogenic markers, notably elevated late-stage bone sialoprotein.

Conclusions:

• Hybrid bioactive HAp/PCL NPs possess enhanced osteogenic potential compared to HApN.
• These HAp/PCL NPs are promising for bone regenerative applications.
• HAp/PCL NPs can serve as a standalone nanoplatform or within complex engineered systems.