Interconnected Porous Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds Functionalized by the Peptide DP7-C Incorporating miR-26a with...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Large critical bone defects pose significant clinical challenges.
• MicroRNA (miRNA)-modified scaffolds offer a promising strategy for enhanced bone regeneration.
• Hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds are widely investigated for bone tissue engineering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel functionalized hydroxyapatite scaffold for critical bone defect repair.
• To investigate the osteogenic potential of DP7-C/miR-26a loaded microspheres within the scaffold.
• To assess the in vitro and in vivo performance of the developed bone regeneration scaffold.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of porous PLGA microspheres via double emulsification solvent evaporation.
• Loading of DP7-C/miR-26a complex into PLGA microspheres.
• Fabrication of interconnected porous HA scaffolds using a template-leaching technique and incorporating the functionalized microspheres.
• In vitro assessment of cytocompatibility and osteogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs.
• In vivo evaluation in a cranial critical bone defect model in rats.

Main Results:

• The scaffold exhibited interconnected porous microstructures (64% porosity), compressive strength (10.54 kPa), and controlled release over 21 days.
• In vitro studies demonstrated good cytocompatibility and promotion of osteogenic differentiation.
• In vivo studies confirmed excellent biocompatibility and significant osteogenic efficacy in repairing critical bone defects.

Conclusions:

• The developed functionalized HA scaffold shows significant potential for treating critical bone defects.
• The combination of HA scaffold, PLGA microspheres, and DP7-C/miR-26a offers a viable therapeutic strategy.
• This approach advances bone regeneration therapies for challenging orthopedic conditions.