Injectable, mechanically reinforced human-based nanocomposite for minimal invasive applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Human platelet lysates (hPL) are rich in bioactive proteins but lack mechanical strength for hard tissue regeneration.
• Existing hPL biomaterials are often not robust enough for load-bearing applications or require invasive delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer mechanically reinforced, injectable nanocomposite hydrogels using hPL and functionalized nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp).
• To enhance the mechanical properties and biological performance of hPL-based biomaterials for bone and cartilage repair.

Main Methods:

• Integration of functionalized nHAp (nHAp-MA) into a bioactive organic matrix via EDC/NHS chemistry.
• In situ photocrosslinking of the injectable hPL nanocomposite hydrogel.
• Rheological, mechanical, and in vitro/in vivo biological assessments.

Main Results:

• The nanocomposite hydrogels exhibited significantly enhanced elastic modulus after nHAp incorporation and photocrosslinking.
• Functionalized nHAp at high concentrations improved mechanical stability, with particle functionalization being crucial.
• Controlled protein release, robust mechanical properties, and positive in vivo bone healing outcomes were observed.

Conclusions:

• Mechanically reinforced, injectable hydrogels were successfully developed from human blood-derived materials, mimicking bone tissue composition.
• The tunable properties of these xeno-free, growth factor-rich biomaterials make them promising for minimally invasive surgical applications.
• The strategy supports stem cell growth and promotes bone healing, advancing patient-specific therapies.