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Hydroxyapatite-filled osteoinductive and piezoelectric nanofibers for bone tissue engineering
Frederico Barbosa1,2, Fábio F F Garrudo1,2,3, Paola S Alberte1,2
1Department of Bioengineering and iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
Science and Technology of Advanced Materials
|August 28, 2023
Summary
This study developed novel piezoelectric nanofibers using poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-tetrafluoroethylene) and hydroxyapatite to improve bone regeneration. These materials mimic bone
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Osteoporotic fractures cause significant morbidity, often requiring surgical intervention for bone regeneration.
- Current bone tissue engineering scaffolds neglect the crucial piezoelectric properties of native bone.
- Developing advanced scaffolds is essential for effective bone regeneration strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer novel piezoelectric and osteoinductive nanofibers for bone tissue engineering.
- To replicate the native bone extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and piezoelectric properties.
- To enhance bone regeneration by combining poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-tetrafluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) and hydroxyapatite (HAp).
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PVDF-TrFE/HAp nanofibers using electrospinning.
- Characterization of nanofiber diameter, piezoelectric, and surface properties.
- Assessment of HAp-enhanced osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs).
Main Results:
- Developed PVDF-TrFE/HAp nanofibers with biomimetic collagen fibril-like diameters.
- Achieved enhanced piezoelectric and surface properties in the developed nanofibers.
- Demonstrated increased mineralization, cell proliferation, and osteogenic gene expression in MSCs cultured on HAp-containing fibers.
Conclusions:
- The developed PVDF-TrFE/HAp nanofibers show potential for bone tissue engineering.
- These nanofibers possess electroactive and osteoinductive properties beneficial for bone regeneration.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for creating scaffolds that support bone healing.
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