Pearl-inspired graphene oxide-collagen microgel with multi-layer mineralization through microarray chips for bone
Chuchao Zhou1,2, Chao Luo1, Shaokai Liu1
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
Materials Today. Bio
|June 16, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed multi-layer mineralized graphene oxide-collagen-hydroxyapatite (MMGCH) microgels for bone repair. These biomimetic scaffolds promote uniform hydroxyapatite deposition and enhance stem cell differentiation for effective bone regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Biomineralization of natural polymers with hydroxyapatite (HAp) enhances biocompatibility for bone regeneration.
- Superficial HAp deposition in porous microgels limits ion exchange and leads to nonuniform regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multi-layer mineralized graphene oxide (GO)-collagen (Col)-hydroxyapatite (HAp) microgel (MMGCH) with uniform HAp distribution.
- To investigate the potential of MMGCH for promoting stem cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.
- To evaluate the efficacy of MMGCH in repairing cranial and mandibular bone defects.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of multi-layer MMGCH microgels using microarray chips, inspired by pearl formation.
- Assessment of microgel structure, HAp distribution, and ion exchange properties.
- In vitro evaluation of stem cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.
- In vivo assessment of bone regeneration in cranial and mandibular defects.
Main Results:
- MMGCH microgels exhibited a porous structure with uniform HAp distribution.
- The microenvironment provided by MMGCH promoted time-dependent stem cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.
- Upregulation of osteogenesis-related genes and proteins (alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, collagen-1) was observed.
- MMGCH demonstrated favorable bone regeneration capacity in cranial and mandibular defects.
Conclusions:
- MMGCH microgels offer a biomimetic approach for achieving uniform HAp deposition in hydrogels for bone defect repair.
- The fabricated microgels provide a suitable microenvironment for host-derived cells to form new bone tissues.
- This study presents a promising strategy for enhancing bone regeneration using advanced biomaterials.
