Temperature-responsive Rehmannia polysaccharides hydrogel loaded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for bone...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Plant-derived Therapeutics

Background:

• Rehmannia, a traditional medicinal plant, contains bioactive polysaccharides.
• Polysaccharide hydrogels loaded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are promising for bone defect repair.
• A neutral homogeneous polysaccharide, RP-1, was isolated from Rehmannia glutinosa.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of RP-1 and RP-1 hydrogels loaded with BMSCs (RPB@Gel) for bone defect repair.
• To evaluate the effect of RP-1 on BMSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.
• To assess the efficacy of RPB@Gel in promoting bone regeneration both in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and characterization of RP-1 polysaccharide from Rehmannia glutinosa.
• In vitro studies on BMSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation stimulated by RP-1.
• Preparation and characterization of temperature-sensitive RPB@Gel hydrogels.
• In vitro and in vivo validation of RPB@Gel efficacy for bone defect repair using cell assays, micro-CT, histology, and immunohistochemistry.

Main Results:

• RP-1 significantly promoted BMSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in vitro.
• RPB@Gel hydrogels exhibited rapid cross-linking at body temperature.
• In vitro studies showed RPB@Gel upregulated osteogenic markers (RUNX2, ALP, Col1a1) in BMSCs via ERK and β-catenin pathways.
• In vivo studies demonstrated significant bone defect repair by RPB@Gel, confirmed by micro-CT, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses.

Conclusions:

• RP-1 acts as both a bioactive component and a structural carrier for bone defect repair.
• RPB@Gel hydrogels effectively promote bone regeneration by enhancing BMSC activity and facilitating new bone formation.
• RPB@Gel represents a potential therapeutic strategy for bone regeneration applications.