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Cell-microsphere based living microhybrids for osteogenesis regulating to boosting biomineralization
Zhaofan Hu1,2, Yunyang Zhang1,2, Jingjing Zhang1,2
1Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China.
Regenerative Biomaterials
|November 21, 2024
Summary
This study created porous PLLA microspheres to improve osteoblast behavior and bone formation. The engineered cell-material composites enhance osteogenesis and mineralization for tissue regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Biomineralization-based composites show promise for living materials construction and cell regulation.
- Scaffolds with unconnected pores limit nutrient transfer and cell communication, hindering osteoblast differentiation and mineralization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct osteoblast-material living hybrids using porous PLLA microspheres for improved osteoblast differentiation and mineralization.
- To investigate the effect of simvastatin (SIM)-loaded, ε-polylysine (ε-PL)-modified microspheres on osteoblast behavior and bone regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Microfluidic technique for producing PLLA microspheres with controlled pore sizes (<5 μm, 5-15 μm, >15 μm).
- Fabrication of cell-material living microhybrids using MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts and SIM-loaded, ε-PL-modified PLLA microspheres.
- In vitro and in vivo assessments of cell proliferation, differentiation, mineralization, and osteogenic marker expression (COL I, ALP, RUNX2, BMP2).
Main Results:
- Microfluidics enabled efficient production of tailored PLLA microspheres for controlled drug delivery and pore size.
- ε-PL modification and SIM loading significantly enhanced osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and mineralization.
- In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed improved osteogenesis, cascade mineralization, and osteoblast-to-osteocyte transformation.
Conclusions:
- Rationally designed cell-microsphere composites offer an improved model for osteoblast differentiation and mineralization.
- This strategy provides a promising approach for materials-based ex vivo tissue construction and cell regulation in biomineralization-based tissue regeneration.
