Enhancing Cellular Interactions Through Bioactivation and Local Nanomechanical Reinforcement in Nanodiamond-Loaded...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Nanomaterials in hydrogels improve bone tissue engineering via mechanical and signaling pathways.
• Nanodiamonds (NDs) enhance cell responses in electrospun meshes.
• Effects of NDs in 3D hydrogel matrices are underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize nanostructured 3D printing inks using gellan gum (GG) and nanodiamonds (NDs).
• To investigate the impact of ND loading on the printability, mechanical properties, and biological performance of GG scaffolds.
• To evaluate the synergistic effects of NDs and icariin (ICA) for enhanced osteogenic potential.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of GG hydrogel inks with varying ND concentrations (0-3% w/v).
• Extrusion-based 3D printing for scaffold fabrication.
• Mechanical testing (compression, stiffness) and structural analysis.
• Cell viability, proliferation, and attachment assays using preosteoblasts and MG-63 cells.
• Bioactivation with icariin (ICA) and assessment of mineralization and cell-matrix interactions.

Main Results:

• ND integration improved ink shear-thinning and 3D printing consistency.
• GG_ND2% scaffolds showed enhanced morphology, reduced deformation, and increased stiffness.
• Increased ND content promoted preosteoblast viability, proliferation, and attachment.
• ICA bioactivation of GG_ND2% amplified MG-63 cell responses, enhancing mineralization and cell-matrix interactions.

Conclusions:

• ND-reinforced GG scaffolds offer improved structural integrity and printability.
• These scaffolds support and enhance osteogenic cellular responses.
• The combination of NDs and ICA presents a promising strategy for bone tissue engineering applications.