Ceramic-based biomaterials: Combining regeneration with anti-senescence.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Gerontology

Background:

• Aging globally increases skeletal disorder prevalence, linked to impaired bone regeneration from senescent microenvironments.
• Current anti-senescence drugs face limitations due to side effects and suboptimal efficacy.
• Biomaterials offer a promising avenue for anti-senescence therapies in bone regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate silicate bioceramics for intrinsic anti-senescence and osteogenic properties.
• To establish the concept of "Silicate Anti-Senescence (SAS)" for skeletal disorders.
• To evaluate hardystonite (ZnCS) for delaying senescence and promoting bone formation.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of hardystonite (ZnCS) into porous scaffolds, ionic extracts, and particle suspensions.
• In vitro assessment of ZnCS on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) senescence and osteogenic differentiation.
• In vivo evaluation of ZnCS scaffolds in osteoporotic bone regeneration and oral ZnCS particles for anti-osteoporotic effects.
• Mechanistic studies involving the PI3K-AKT-SIRT1 signaling pathway.

Main Results:

• ZnCS effectively delays BMSC senescence and enhances osteogenic differentiation in vitro.
• ZnCS 3D scaffolds improved the senescent microenvironment and accelerated bone regeneration in vivo.
• Oral ZnCS particles demonstrated significant anti-osteoporotic effects.
• ZnCS exhibited superior anti-senescence and osteogenic performance compared to dasatinib and quercetin.

Conclusions:

• Silicate bioceramics possess intrinsic anti-senescence and osteogenic capabilities, forming the basis of the SAS concept.
• ZnCS demonstrates a biphasic function, delaying senescence and promoting bone formation.
• ZnCS presents a novel, effective strategy for treating age-related skeletal diseases with reduced side effects.