Osteogenic potential of adipose stem cells on hydroxyapatite-functionalized decellularized amniotic membrane

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Amniotic membrane (AM) is a low-immunogenicity biomaterial with osteogenic properties, suitable for bone tissue engineering.
• Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a biocompatible and bioactive material commonly used in bone scaffolds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a novel scaffold using hydroxyapatite-coated decellularized amniotic membrane (DAM-HA).
• To evaluate the efficacy of DAM-HA scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.

Main Methods:

• Human amniotic membranes were decellularized (DAM) and coated with hydroxyapatite via immersion in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF).
• Scaffold characterization and optimization were performed based on pH and incubation time.
• Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell behavior (adhesion, viability, proliferation) was assessed on DAM and DAM-HA scaffolds.
• Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated through alkaline phosphatase activity and osteogenic marker gene expression.

Main Results:

• SEM, MTT assay, and Live-Dead staining confirmed that DAM and DAM-HA support cell adhesion, viability, and proliferation.
• Osteogenic differentiation markers showed significant upregulation on DAM-HA compared to controls.
• Gene expression analysis revealed maximum alkaline phosphatase activity at 14 days and highest osteocalcin and osteopontin expression at 21 days.

Conclusions:

• Decellularized amniotic membrane (DAM) supports stem cell survival and proliferation.
• Hydroxyapatite coating on DAM enhances osteogenic differentiation while maintaining cell viability.
• DAM-HA scaffolds represent a promising biomaterial for bone tissue engineering.