Precise Cell Type Electrical Stimulation Therapy Via Force-electric Hydrogel Microspheres for Cartilage Healing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Electrical stimulation is crucial for tissue regeneration but faces challenges in precise cell targeting and stable energy supply.
• Developing methods for localized electrical stimulation is key for advanced cell therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop force-electric conversion hydrogel microspheres (Piezo@CR MPs) for targeted stem cell aggregation and chondrogenic differentiation.
• To investigate the efficacy of Piezo@CR MPs in promoting cartilage regeneration and treating cartilage degeneration.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Piezo@CR MPs using barium titanate nanoparticles in hyaluronic acid methacrylate hydrogel with polydopamine coating and stem cell recruitment peptides.
• Utilizing ultrasound to induce force-electric conversion for localized electrical stimulation.
• In vitro and in vivo assessments in stem cell cultures, rabbit osteochondral defect models, and rat osteoarthritis models.

Main Results:

• Piezo@CR MPs successfully directed bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) for colonization and chondrogenesis, generating up to 451 mV electrical output.
• In vivo studies showed significant cartilage regeneration in rabbit models and reduced degeneration in rat osteoarthritis models.
• Mechanism studies revealed Piezo@CR MPs promote cartilage regeneration via extracellular calcium influx and p38 MAPK pathway activation.

Conclusions:

• Piezo@CR MPs provide a novel approach for precise, localized electrical stimulation therapy.
• This technology holds promise for treating cartilage injuries and degenerative diseases.
• The study highlights the potential of piezoelectric materials in regenerative medicine applications.