Osteogenic Differentiation Triggered by Intracellular Magnetoelectric Stimulation of Core-Shell Nanotransducers under...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENPs) convert magnetic fields to electric cues for biomedical use.
• Lead-based piezoelectric materials pose toxicity risks, limiting clinical translation.
• Lead-free MENPs (MFO@BCZT) were developed with comparable performance to lead-based counterparts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of lead-free MFO@BCZT MENPs in promoting osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs).
• To evaluate the effect of static and cyclic magnetic fields (CMF) on MENP-mediated bone repair.
• To assess MFO@BCZT MENPs within a 3D spheroid microenvironment for bone regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Developed lead-free MFO@BCZT MENPs.
• Internalized MENPs into hASCs, assembled into 3D spheroids, and embedded in hydrogels.
• Assessed osteogenic differentiation under static and CMF conditions.
• Compared MFO@BCZT MENPs to bare MFO NPs and control groups.

Main Results:

• MFO and MFO@BCZT nanoparticles demonstrated cytocompatibility.
• MFO@BCZT MENPs significantly enhanced osteogenic marker expression and mineral deposition compared to controls.
• CMF stimulation further amplified the osteogenic effects of MFO@BCZT MENPs.
• CMF-stimulated MFO@BCZT MENPs produced a mineralized matrix with a Ca:P ratio matching native bone apatite.

Conclusions:

• Lead-free MFO@BCZT MENPs are effective in promoting osteogenic differentiation of hASCs.
• CMF stimulation enhances the bone regenerative potential of MFO@BCZT MENPs.
• MFO@BCZT MENPs represent a promising platform for developing advanced, bioelectric-based bone therapies.