Injectable in situ gelling methylcellulose-based hydrogels for bone tissue regeneration
Lorenzo Bonetti1, Silvia Borsacchi2,3, Alessandra Soriente4
1Department of Chemistry, Materials, and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy. lina.altomare@polimi.it.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|April 17, 2024
Summary
Injectable bone substitutes using methylcellulose hydrogels with calcium phosphate and graphene oxide show promise for bone regeneration. These materials gel at body temperature, promote mineralization, and enhance cell growth for effective bone repair.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Injectable bone substitutes (IBSs) are crucial for minimally invasive bone defect repair.
- Thermo-responsive methylcellulose (MC) hydrogels offer injectable solutions that gel at body temperature.
- Incorporating inorganic phases can improve mechanical properties and mineralization for enhanced bone regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop thermo-responsive injectable bone substitutes (IBSs) using methylcellulose (MC) hydrogels.
- To incorporate calcium phosphate (CaP) or graphene oxide-modified CaP (CaPGO) as inorganic components.
- To evaluate the injectability, mineralization, and biological performance of the developed IBSs for bone regeneration.
Main Methods:
- MC hydrogels were formulated with CaP or CaPGO.
- Injectability and gelation temperature were assessed.
- In vitro mineralization was studied using simulated body fluid (SBF).
- X-ray diffraction (XRD) and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) characterized the mineral phase.
- In vitro cell studies evaluated cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation.
Main Results:
- The MC-based biocomposites exhibited body temperature-triggered gelation and retained injectability.
- CaP and CaPGO incorporation promoted in vitro mineralization, forming hydroxyapatite and amorphous calcium phosphate.
- The addition of CaP and CaPGO enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation.
- Graphene oxide (GO) positively impacted cell growth and osteogenic differentiation without compromising injectability or mineralization.
Conclusions:
- Thermo-responsive MC hydrogels functionalized with CaP or CaPGO are promising injectable bone substitutes.
- These formulations support mineralization and enhance cellular responses crucial for bone tissue regeneration.
- The developed IBSs show potential for treating bone defects under various physiological and pathological conditions.
