Porous Gelatin Methacrylate Gel Engineered by Freeze-Ultraviolet Promotes Osteogenesis and Angiogenesis.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Alveolar bone defect reconstruction presents significant challenges in stomatology.
• Existing gel scaffolds often involve complex preparation and may leave residual products.
• There is a need for efficient and biocompatible scaffolds for bone regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel thermosensitive/photosensitive gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) gel scaffold using a freeze-ultraviolet (FUV) method.
• To evaluate the manufacturing ability, biocompatibility, and structural properties of the FUV-GelMA gel.
• To assess the efficacy of the FUV-GelMA gel in promoting mandible reconstruction, osteogenesis, and angiogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a porous GelMA gel using a freeze-ultraviolet (FUV) method.
• In vitro evaluation of osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).
• In vivo assessment using a rat model for mandible reconstruction and vascularization, including mechanistic studies involving the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.

Main Results:

• The FUV-GelMA gel demonstrated rapid solidification (15 min), favorable manufacturing, biocompatibility, and adjustable macroporous structures.
• In vitro studies showed the FUV-GelMA gel promoted osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs and angiogenesis of HUVECs.
• In vivo results indicated the gel scaffold facilitated mandible reconstruction and vascularization, with the p38 MAPK pathway being crucial for these effects.

Conclusions:

• The FUV-GelMA gel represents a novel and effective scaffold for alveolar bone defect reconstruction.
• This scaffold supports osteogenesis and angiogenesis, mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway.
• The developed FUV-GelMA gel offers a promising approach for future clinical applications in tissue regeneration.