A BioLiving Periosteum Evokes Centripetal Regeneration in Challenging Bone Defects

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Large bone defects present challenges in achieving complete central bone healing.
• Native periosteum is crucial for bone repair, acting as a barrier and source of regenerative cells.
• Current strategies struggle to balance barrier function with bioactive properties for effective central healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer a BioLiving periosteum that mimics native periosteum's structure and function.
• To address the limitations in achieving desirable central bone healing in large defects.
• To develop a therapeutic strategy for severe bone defects using a novel biomaterial.

Main Methods:

• A BioLiving periosteum was constructed using liquid substrate culture (LSC) for endothelial cells (ECs) and topological structures for guiding layers.
• The LSC method promoted ECs to a type-H phenotype, enhancing growth factor secretion for cell recruitment.
• Fiber-guiding and recruitment layers with topological structures directed cell migration towards the defect's center.

Main Results:

• Engineered BioLiving periosteum successfully recapitulated key features of native periosteum.
• Endothelial cells cultured via LSC exhibited increased glycolytic activity and secreted growth factors.
• The combination of chemical (growth factors) and physical (topological structures) cues facilitated centripetal bone regeneration.
• Significant bone formation was observed in the central area of large bone defects.

Conclusions:

• The BioLiving periosteum effectively triggers centripetal bone regeneration via a physicochemical signaling-relay mechanism.
• This engineered periosteum represents a promising therapeutic strategy for severe bone defects.
• The study highlights the potential of biomimetic materials in addressing complex bone healing challenges.