Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

Distinctive Capillary Action by Micro-channels in Bone-like Templates can Enhance Recruitment of Cells for Restoration of Large Bony Defect
Published on: September 11, 2015
Melatonin-loaded bioactive microspheres accelerate aged bone regeneration by formation of tunneling nanotubes to
Huacui Xiong1,2, Huanhuan Qiu2, Chunhui Wang2
1Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401147, China.
Abstract:
The repair of bone defects in the elderly individuals is significantly delayed due to cellular senescence and dysfunction, which presents a challenge in clinical settings. Furthermore, there are limited effective methods available to promote bone repair in older individuals. Herein, melatonin-loaded mesoporous bioactive glasses microspheres (MTBG) were successfully prepared based on their mesoporous properties. The repair of bone defects in aged rats was significantly accelerated by enhancing mitochondrial function through the sustained release of melatonin and bioactive ions. MTBG effectively rejuvenated senescent bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by scavenging excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), stabilizing the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and increasing ATP synthesis. Analysis of the underlying mechanism revealed that the formation of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) facilitated the intercellular transfer of mitochondria, thereby resulting in the recovery of mitochondrial function. This study provides critical insights into the design of new biomaterials for the elderly individuals and the biological mechanism involved in aged bone regeneration.
More Related Videos
07:14Fabrication of a Biomimetic Nano-Matrix with Janus Base Nanotubes and Fibronectin for Stem Cell Adhesion
Published on: May 10, 2020
06:50Author Spotlight: Bidirectional Mitochondrial Transfer between MSCs and Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells — Pathways and In Vivo Challenges
Published on: October 4, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Bone Remodeling
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
The Bone Matrix
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles