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Published on: September 11, 2015
Storage and release of rare earth elements in microsphere-based scaffolds for enhancing osteogenesis
Weikang Xu1, Kun Wei2, Zefeng Lin3
1Department of Scientific Research, Institute of Biological and Medical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, National Engineering Research Center for Healthcare Devices, Guangdong Key Lab of Medical Electronic Instruments and Polymer Material Products, Jianghai Avenue Central (Former No.10, Pomegranate Gang Road), Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510316, Guangdong, China.
This study developed novel poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microsphere scaffolds for controlled lanthanum ion (La3+) release, enhancing bone regeneration. These scaffolds effectively promote osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs).
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Accelerating bone repair is crucial for osteoporosis and diabetes.
- Lanthanum ions (La3+) show potential in regulating bone tissue performance.
- Existing bone tissue engineering scaffolds struggle with precise and stable La3+ release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)-based microsphere scaffold for controlled lanthanum ion (La3+) storage and release.
- To investigate the potential of these scaffolds in promoting osteogenesis and bone regeneration.
- To explore the use of La-doped mesoporous silica (LMS) within PLGA microspheres for enhanced bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of La-doped mesoporous silica (LMS) embedded within PLGA microspheres to create LMS/PLGA (LMSP) scaffolds.
- Characterization of scaffold architecture, La3+ release kinetics, and pH compensation during degradation.
- In vitro assessment of LMSP scaffolds for biocompatibility, cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.
Main Results:
- LMSP scaffolds exhibited a 3D network architecture with tunable La3+ release based on doping concentration.
- Scaffolds demonstrated improved pH compensation and avoided cytotoxicity associated with mesoporous silica alone.
- LMSP scaffolds, particularly LMSP-3 with stable higher La3+ release, significantly promoted BMSC adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation.
Conclusions:
- Microsphere-based scaffolds offer a promising strategy for storing and controlling La3+ release for enhanced osteogenesis.
- The developed LMSP scaffolds represent a novel approach for bone tissue engineering, improving bone regeneration.
- This study provides a new avenue for designing advanced bone tissue engineering scaffolds utilizing controlled trace element delivery.
