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Whey Protein Isolate Hydrogels Containing Cannabidiol Support the Proliferation of Pre-Osteoblasts
Daniel K Baines1,2, Varvara Platania3, Nikoleta N Tavernaraki3
1School of Engineering, Lancaster University, Gillow Avenue, Lancaster LA1 4YW, UK.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 25, 2025
Summary
Whey protein isolate (WPI) hydrogels enhanced with cannabidiol (CBD) show promise for bone regeneration. These novel WPI/CBD biomaterials improve mechanical strength and support bone cell growth, offering a new scaffold for osseous tissue repair.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Orthopedic Research
Background:
- Bone pathologies significantly impact chronic disease burdens.
- Existing bone regeneration scaffolds have limitations in drug delivery and structural support.
- Whey protein isolate (WPI) hydrogels are emerging as promising biomaterials for bone tissue engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of WPI hydrogels incorporating cannabidiol (CBD) for bone regeneration.
- To evaluate the effect of CBD on the structural and biological properties of WPI hydrogels.
- To assess the suitability of WPI/CBD hydrogels as scaffolds for osseous tissue repair.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of WPI hydrogels with varying concentrations of CBD.
- Characterization of hydrogel mechanical properties (Young's modulus, compressive strength).
- In vitro assessment of pre-osteoblast (MC3T3-E1) proliferation, collagen synthesis, calcium deposition, and alkaline phosphatase activity.
Main Results:
- CBD was successfully incorporated into WPI hydrogels, potentially via hydrophobic interactions.
- CBD incorporation significantly enhanced hydrogel mechanical strength, increasing Young's modulus from 2700 kPa to 7100 kPa.
- WPI/CBD hydrogels supported MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation, collagen and calcium synthesis, and alkaline phosphatase activity, with a sustained CBD release of up to 20 μM over 5 days.
Conclusions:
- WPI/CBD hydrogels represent an innovative biomaterial for bone regeneration.
- The enhanced mechanical properties and biocompatibility of WPI/CBD hydrogels make them suitable for osseous tissue engineering applications.
- This study demonstrates the potential of combining WPI and CBD for developing advanced bone regenerative scaffolds.
