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Updated: Oct 29, 2025
Distinctive Capillary Action by Micro-channels in Bone-like Templates can Enhance Recruitment of Cells for Restoration of Large Bony Defect
Published on: September 11, 2015
Mussel patterned with 4D biodegrading elastomer durably recruits regenerative macrophages to promote regeneration of
Xuzheng Liu1, Wanli Chen2, Bo Shao3
1State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Stomatology Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery School of Stomatology the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China; Department of Oral Implant Center, People's Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hohhot, 010110, PR China.
Abstract:
Crosstalk between bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and macrophages plays vital role in bone healing. By investigating the mechanism of collagen membrane-guided bone regeneration, we found compact structure and rapid membrane degradation compromised the duration of M2 macrophages influx, which restricts the recruitment of BMSCs that is essential for bone healing. To tackle this issue, a biodegrading elastomeric compound consisting of poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) and polycaprolactone (PCL) was fabricated into hierarchically porous membrane. The rational design of 3D microstructure enabled sufficient polydopamine (PDA) coating. Without any addition of growth factors, the 3D-patterned PDA membrane enables early and durable influx of M2 macrophages, which in turn promotes BMSCs recruitment and osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, 4D-morphing of the membrane fully regenerates the dome shaped calvarial bone as well as arc-shape bone in peri-implant alveolar defect without filling xenogenous substitute. This study revealed the superiority of 3D printed microstructures in immunomodulatory materials. The availability of 4D-morphing for PGS/PCL construct expanded their advantages in reconstructing craniofacial bone.
