Genistein-loaded, quaternized dextran/κ-carrageenan gels for bone regeneration in osteoporotic conditions

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease marked by the decreased bone mass from impaired bone homeostasis, increasing risk of fractures, particularly in postmenopausal women. The underlying cause of postmenopausal osteoporosis is a sharp decline in estrogen levels, crucial for the maintenance of bone health. Current treatment modalities are associated with drawbacks leading to growing need for alternative approaches for bone tissue regeneration. Various strategies have been explored but they fail to completely address the challenge of oxidative stress, hormonal imbalance, and inflammation. Biomaterials have been developed for bone regeneration but they do not provide localized delivery of therapeutic agents targeting these interconnected challenges. This study advances the field by developing a genistein-loaded, κ-carrageenan/ quaternized dextran polymeric gel system, which combines the extracellular matrix-mimicking properties with estrogen-mimicking and antioxidant functionalities to restore bone homeostasis and enhance regeneration in osteoporotic conditions. The polymeric gels were characterized and evaluated for their potential to promote bone healing. The gels showed outstanding osteogenic potential, as evidenced by the enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization, and the upregulation of osteogenic marker genes. This innovative approach addresses the limitations of current treatments and offers a new pathway for effective bone tissue regeneration in osteoporotic patients.