Promoting Angiogenesis/Osteogenesis by a New Copper/Magnesium Hydroxide Hybrid Nanoparticle: In Vitro and In Vivo...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Bone regeneration requires scaffolds that support cell growth and vascularization.
• Hybrid nanoparticles offer unique properties for enhancing biomaterial performance.
• 3D printing allows for precise scaffold fabrication tailored to defect sites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel 3D-printed scaffold incorporating magnesium hydroxide/copper oxide hybrid nanoparticles (MCNs) into a polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin matrix.
• To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo performance of the PCL/Gelatin/MCN scaffolds for bone regeneration.
• To assess the angiogenic and osteogenic potential of the developed scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Hybrid Mg(OH)2/CuO nanoparticles (MCNs) synthesized via a green, solvent-free method.
• 3D-printed scaffolds fabricated from PCL, gelatin, and MCNs.
• Characterization using SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS; in vitro cell studies with MC3T3-E1 and HUVECs; in vivo rat calvarial defect model.

Main Results:

• Scaffolds demonstrated appropriate topography and morphology for cell interaction.
• In vitro studies confirmed good cell proliferation and induced angiogenic and osteogenic gene expression.
• In vivo studies showed superior bone regeneration, angiogenesis, and osteogenesis in PCL/Gelatin/MCN scaffolds compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• The PCL/Gelatin/MCN scaffolds exhibit excellent biocompatibility, osteoinductivity, and angiogenic potential.
• These hybrid nanostructured scaffolds are promising for enhancing bone regeneration, especially in critical-sized defects.
• The green synthesis and 3D printing approach offers a viable strategy for advanced bone tissue engineering.