Heparin-functionalized chitosan scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of heparin-functionalized chitosan scaffolds on the activity of preosteoblasts. The chitosan scaffolds having the pore size of ∼100 μm were prepared by a freeze-drying method. Two different methods for immobilization of heparin to chitosan scaffolds were successfully performed. In the first method, functionalization of the scaffolds was achieved by means of electrostatic interactions between negatively charged heparin and positively charged chitosan. The covalent immobilization of heparin to chitosan scaffolds by 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide (EDAC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) was used as a second immobilization method. Morphology, proliferation, and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts on heparin-functionalized chitosan scaffolds were investigated in vitro. The results indicate that covalently bound heparin containing chitosan scaffolds (CHC) stimulate osteoblast proliferation compared to other scaffolds, that is, unmodified chitosan scaffolds (CH), electrostatically bound heparin containing chitosan scaffolds (EHC), and CH+free heparin (CHF). SEM images also proved the stimulative effect of covalently bound heparin on the proliferation of preosteoblasts. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN) levels of cells proliferated on CHC and EHC were also higher than those for CH and CHF. In vitro studies have demonstrated that chitosan scaffolds increase viability and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells especially in the presence of immobilized heparin.     

Effect of spatial architecture on cellular colonization

The spatial cell-material interaction remains vital issue in forming biodegradable scaffolds in Tissue Engineering. In this study, to understand the influence of spatial architecture on cellular behavior, 2D and 3D chitosan scaffolds of 50-190 kD and >310 kD MW were synthesized through air drying and controlled rate freezing/lypohilization technique, respectively. In addition, chitosan was emulsified with 19, 76, and 160 kD 50:50 poly lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) using 1,2-Dimyristoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphocholine (DMPC) as stabilizer. 2D and 3D scaffolds were formed by air drying and lyophilization as before. Tensile and compressive properties of films and scaffolds were analyzed in wet conditions at 37 degrees C. Alterations in the cell spreading, proliferation, and cytoskeletal organization of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were studied. These results showed that the formed 3D chitosan scaffolds had interconnected open pore architecture (50-200 microm size). HUVECs and MEFs had reduced spreading areas and circular morphology on 2D chitosan membranes compared with 3D chitosan scaffolds. The fluorescence photomicrographs for actin (using Alexa Fluor 488 phalloidin) and cytoplasm staining (using carboxyfluorescein diacetate-succinimidyl ester) demonstrated that the cells spread within 3D chitosan matrix. 2D and 3D emulsified chitosan and chitosan/PLGA scaffolds reduced the spreading of HUVECs and MEFs even further. Proliferation results, analyzed via MTT-Formazan assay and BrdU uptake assay, correlated with the spreading characteristics. The reductions in cell spreading area on emulsified surfaces were not detrimental to the viability and endocytic activity but to proliferation. The observed alterations in cellular colonization are in part due to the substrate stiffness and surface topography. In summary, these results suggest a significant influence of spatial architecture on cellular colonization.     

Mechanical response of porous scaffolds for cartilage engineering

Mechanical properties of scaffolds seeded with mesenchymal stem cells used for cartilage repair seem to be one of the critical factors in possible joint resurfacing. In this paper, the effect of adding hyaluronic acid, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles or chitosan nanofibers into the cross-linked collagen I on the mechanical response of the lyophilized porous scaffold has been investigated in the dry state at 37 oC under tensile loading. Statistical significance of the results was evaluated using ANOVA analysis. The results showed that the addition of hyaluronic acid significantly (p<0.05) reduced the tensile elastic modulus and enhanced the strength and deformation to failure of the modified cross-linked collagen I under the used test conditions. On the other hand, addition of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and chitosan nanofibers, respectively, increased the elastic modulus of the modified collagen ten-fold and four-fold, respectively. Hydroxyapatite caused significant reduction in the ultimate deformation at break while chitosan nanofibers enhanced the ultimate deformation under tensile loading substantially (p<0.05). The ultimate tensile deformation was significantly (p<0.05) increased by addition of the chitosan nanofibers. The enhanced elastic modulus of the scaffold was translated into enhanced resistance of the porous scaffolds against mechanical load compared to scaffolds based on cross-linked neat collagen or collagen with hyaluronic acid with similar porosity. It can be concluded that enhancing the rigidity of the compact scaffold material by adding rigid chitosan nanofibers can improve the resistance of the porous scaffolds against compressive loading, which can provide more structural protection to the seeded mesenchymal stem cells when the construct is implanted into a lesion. Moreover, scaffolds with chitosan nanofibers seemed to enhance cell growth compared to the neat collagen I when tested in vitro as well as the scaffold stability, extending its resorption to more than 10 weeks.     

Gradients with depth in electrospun fibrous scaffolds for directed cell behavior

A major obstacle in creating viable tissue-engineered constructs using electrospinning is the lack of complete cellularization and vascularization due to the limited porosity in these densely packed fibrous scaffolds. One potential approach to circumvent this issue is the use of various gradients of chemical and biophysical cues to drive the infiltration of cells into these structures. Toward this goal, this study focused on creating durotactic (mechanical) and haptotactic (adhesive) gradients through the thickness of electrospun hyaluronic acid (HA) scaffolds using a unique, yet simple, modification of common electrospinning protocols. Specifically, both mechanical (via cross-linking: ranging from 27-100% modified methacrylated HA, MeHA) and adhesive (via inclusion of the adhesive peptide RGD: 0-3 mM RGD) gradients were each fabricated by mixing two solutions (one ramping up, one ramping down) prior to electrospinning and fiber collection. Gradient formation was verified by fluorescence microscopy, FTIR, atomic force microscopy, and cellular morphology assessment of scaffolds at different points of collection (i.e., with scaffold thickness). To test further the functionality of gradient scaffolds, chick aortic arch explants were cultured on adhesive gradient scaffolds for 7 days, and low RGD-high RGD gradient scaffolds showed significantly greater cell infiltration compared with high RGD-low RGD gradients and uniform high RGD or uniform low RGD control scaffolds. In addition to enhanced infiltration, this approach could be used to fabricate graded tissue structures, such as those that occur at interfaces.     

MC 3T3-E1细胞在纳米羟基磷灰石/壳聚糖复合支架上的增殖和分化

用原位合成纳米羟基磷灰石的方法制备多孔纳米羟基磷灰石/壳聚糖复合支架;在支架上接种MC3T3-E1细胞,瑞氏染色检测细胞形态,MTT法检测其增殖情况;在诱导培养基中培养30d后,碱性磷酸酶染色比较其分化水平;定量检测细胞的碱性磷酸酶活性;RT-PCR检测成骨相关基因的表达情况。实验结果表明:MC3T3-E1细胞在纳米级羟基磷灰石/壳聚糖复合支架上粘附铺展良好,其增殖率显著高于培养于纯壳聚糖支架上的细胞。碱性磷酸酶染色表明复合支架上的细胞有较高水平的碱性磷酸酶表达。进一步定量检测细胞的碱性磷酸酶活性,结果说明在复合支架上细胞比纯壳聚糖支架上培养的细胞碱性磷酸酶活性提高了约8倍。此外,骨分化相关特征基因骨桥蛋白OPN在复合支架上培养的细胞中的表达水平也明显高于纯壳聚糖上培养的细胞。分化成熟标志基因骨钙素OC在复合支架上培养的细胞中有表达,但是纯壳聚糖支架上培养的细胞中却未检测到。支架中纳米羟基磷灰石的加入不仅提高了前成骨细胞在复合支架上的增殖,而且还促进了它的分化。纳米羟基磷灰石/壳聚糖复合支架表现出良好的生物相容性和生物活性,是极具前景的骨组织工程支架材料。     

MC 3T3-E1细胞在纳米羟基磷灰石/壳聚糖复合支架上的增殖和分化

用原位合成纳米羟基磷灰石的方法制备多孔纳米羟基磷灰石/壳聚糖复合支架;在支架上接种MC 3T3-E1细胞,瑞氏染色检测细胞形态,MTT法检测其增殖情况;在诱导培养基中培养30d后,碱性磷酸酶染色比较其分化水平;定量检测细胞的碱性磷酸酶活性;RT-PCR检测成骨相关基因的表达情况。实验结果表明：MC 3T3-E1细胞在纳米级羟基磷灰石/壳聚糖复合支架上粘附铺展良好,其增殖率显著高于培养于纯壳聚糖支架上的细胞。碱性磷酸酶染色表明复合支架上的细胞有较高水平的碱性磷酸酶表达。进一步定量检测细胞的碱性磷酸酶活性,结果说明在复合支架上细胞比纯壳聚糖支架上培养的细胞碱性磷酸酶活性提高了约8倍。此外,骨分化相关特征基因骨桥蛋白OPN在复合支架上培养的细胞中的表达水平也明显高于纯壳聚糖上培养的细胞。分化成熟标志基因骨钙素OC在复合支架上培养的细胞中有表达,但是纯壳聚糖支架上培养的细胞中却未检测到。支架中纳米羟基磷灰石的加入不仅提高了前成骨细胞在复合支架上的增殖,而且还促进了它的分化。纳米羟基磷灰石/壳聚糖复合支架表现出良好的生物相容性和生物活性,是极具前景的骨组织工程支架材料。     

Biomimetic poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels as scaffolds for inducing endothelial adhesion and capillary-like network formation

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an attractive model for designing synthetic scaffolds with a desirable environment for tissue engineering. Here, we report on the synthesis of ECM-mimetic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels for inducing endothelial cell (EC) adhesion and capillary-like network formation. A collagen type I-derived peptide GPQGIAGQ (GIA)-containing PEGDA (GIA-PEGDA) was synthesized with the collagenase-sensitive GIA sequence attached in the middle of the PEGDA chain, which was then copolymerized with RGD capped-PEG monoacrylate (RGD-PEGMA) to form biomimetic hydrogels. The hydrogels degraded in vitro with the rate dependent on the concentration of collagenase and also supported the adhesion of human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs). Biomimetic RGD/GIA-PEGDA hydrogels with incorporation of 1% RGD-PEGDA into GIA-PEGDA hydrogels induced capillary-like organization when HUVECs were seeded on the hydrogel surface, while RGD/PEGDA and GIA-PEGDA hydrogels did not. These results indicate that both cell adhesion and biodegradability of scaffolds play important roles in the formation of capillary-like networks.     

Improvement of biomaterials used in tissue engineering by an ageing treatment

Biomaterials based on crosslinked sponges of biopolymers have been extensively used as scaffolds to culture mammal cells. It is well known that single biopolymers show significant change over time due to a phenomenon called physical ageing. In this research, it was verified that scaffolds used for skin tissue engineering (based on gelatin, chitosan and hyaluronic acid) express an ageing-like phenomenon. Treatments based on ageing of scaffolds improve the behavior of skin-cells for tissue engineering purposes. Physical ageing of dry scaffolds was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and was modeled with ageing kinetic equations. In addition, the physical properties of wet scaffolds also changed with the ageing treatments. Scaffolds were aged up to 3 weeks, and then skin-cells (fibroblasts) were seeded on them. Results indicated that adhesion, migration, viability, proliferation and spreading of the skin-cells were affected by the scaffold ageing. The best performance was obtained with a 2-week aged scaffold (under cell culture conditions). The cell viability inside the scaffold was increased from 60 % (scaffold without ageing treatment) to 80 %. It is concluded that biopolymeric scaffolds can be modified by means of an ageing treatment, which changes the behavior of the cells seeded on them. The ageing treatment under cell culture conditions might become a bioprocess to improve the scaffolds used for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.     

Chondrogenesis on BMP‐6 loaded chitosan scaffolds in stationary and dynamic cultures

We originally investigated the suitability of chitosan scaffolds loaded with bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP‐6) in both stationary and dynamic conditions for cartilage tissue engineering. In the first part of the present study, ATDC5 murine chondrogenic cells were seeded in chitosan and BMP‐6 loaded chitosan scaffolds and cultured for 28 days under static conditions. In the following part, we examined the influence of dynamic cultivation conditions over BMP‐6 loaded chitosan scaffolds by using rotating bioreactor with perfusion (RCMW?). Tissue engineered constructs were characterized by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and biochemical assays for glycosaminoglycans (GAG) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and collagen Type II quantification. At the end of 4 weeks static incubation period high levels of GAG (21.22 mg/g dry weight), DNA amounts (1.37 mg/g dry weight) and collagen Type II amounts (1.94 µg/g dry weight) were achieved for BMP‐6 loaded chitosan scaffolds compared to chitosan scaffolds. However, the results obtained from morphological observations suggested hypertrophic differentiation of ATDC5 cells in the presence of BMP‐6 under stationary conditions. The influence of mechanical stimulation appeared significantly with differentiated cells, cultured under dynamic conditions, showing the effect of retaining their phenotypes without hypertrophy. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 601–610 © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Novel hybrid scaffolds for the cultivation of osteoblast cells

In this study, natural biodegradable polysaccharide, chitosan, and synthetic biodegradable polymer, poly(?-caprolactone) (PCL) were used to prepare 3D, hybrid polymeric tissue scaffolds (PCL/chitosan blend and PCL/chitosan/PCL layer by layer scaffolds) by using the electrospinning technique. The hybrid scaffolds were developed through HA addition to accelerate osteoblast cell growth. Characteristic examinations of the scaffolds were performed by micrometer, SEM, contact angle measurement system, ATR-FTIR, tensile machine and swelling experiments. The thickness of all electrospun scaffolds was determined in the range of 0.010 ± 0.001-0.012 ± 0.002 mm. In order to optimize electrospinning processes, suitable bead-free and uniform scaffolds were selected by using SEM images. Blending of PCL with chitosan resulted in better hydrophilicity for the PCL/chitosan scaffolds. The characteristic peaks of PCL and chitosan in the blend and layer by layer nanofibers were observed. The PCL/chitosan/PCL layer by layer structure had higher elastic modulus and tensile strength values than both individual PCL and chitosan structures. The layer by layer scaffolds exhibited the PBS absorption values of 184.2; 197.2% which were higher than those of PCL scaffolds but lower than those of PCL/chitosan blend scaffolds. SaOs-2 osteosarcoma cell culture studies showed that the highest ALP activities belonged to novel PCL/chitosan/PCL layer by layer scaffolds meaning better cell differentiation on the surfaces.     

Hydrogels and electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds of N-methylene phosphonic chitosan as bioinspired osteoconductive materials for bone grafting

In this work, N-methylene phosphonic chitosan (NMPC) based hydrogels and electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds are reported with objective to obtain osteoconductive and osteoinductive matrixes for bone grafting applications. NMPC, a phosphorylated derivative of chitosan, is known to mimic the function of non collagenous phosphoproteins in providing nucleation sites for biomineralization. NMPC hydrogels were prepared by crosslinking between NMPC and genipin. A detailed investigation of physicochemical properties of NMPC solutions is also carried out in order to obtain beads free nanofibers. Both NMPC gels and nanofibers were further evaluated for their biomineralization potential and biocompatibility with human osteoblast like cells. Results indicated that hydrogels and nanofibrous scaffolds NMPC are biocompatible and significantly osteoinductive compared to tissue culture plate controls. However, cells seeded on nanofibrous scaffolds exhibited greater proliferation measured by MTT assay, and higher expression of early markers for osteogenic differentiation proving the superior applicability of nanofibrous scaffolds for bone grafting applications.     

Inter-connecting pores of chitosan scaffold with basic fibroblast growth factor modulate biological activity on human mesenchymal stem cells

In this study, we developed bio-active molecules immobilized chitosan scaffolds with controlled pore architectures for enhanced viability of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The decreasing in molecular weight of chitosan by ultrasonication of chitosan solution was effective in the formation of porous chitosan scaffolds, resulting in an increase of inter-connecting micropores (∼10 μm) between macropores. Using a layer-by-layer method, we then prepared heparin-coated chitosan scaffolds as depots for basic fibroblast growth factors (bFGF). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays confirmed that heparin-coated chitosan scaffolds could bind higher amount of bFGF (24.21 ng/mg) compared to 2.53 ng/mg of non-coated scaffold. Moreover, we were able to manipulate the release profiles of bFGF from the scaffolds for 7 days. In vitro studies showed that chitosan scaffolds induced the improved viability and proliferation of hMSCs through their synergetic effects of the inter-connecting micropores and the sustained released of bFGF. Our results suggest that bFGF immobilized chitosan scaffolds with controlled inter-connecting pores, in combination with other heparin-binding growth factors, have potential implants for controlling biological functions in regenerative medicine.     

载荷壳聚糖微球的海藻酸钠水凝胶的制备

目的：在支架材料上引入具有控释行为的微球,旨在通过微球包裹生长因子,通过生长因子的缓慢释放从而促进种子细胞的生长分化。方法：本实验通过在海藻酸钠水凝胶中负载具有控释功能的壳聚糖微球,并通过在微球中包栽溶茵酶从而达到控制壳聚糖降解速率的功效。实验研究了不同搅拌速度下壳聚糖微球的形貌及粒径大小,通过扫描电镜对壳聚糖微球及复合支架的形貌进行了观察,通过紫外光吸收法测试了微球的载药量及包封率,并研究了壳聚糖微球在体外的降解行为等。结果：制备的壳聚糖微球表面较光滑,溶菌酶的包封率在25．78％41．89％之间,载药量在15．20％-24．44％之间。包封溶茵酶的微胶囊在降解9天后壳聚糖分子量下降了70．40％,载荷微球的复合凝胶孔洞增多,孔洞大小均匀。结论：此复合材料有望作为栽荷软骨相关生长因子的支架模型,从而解决软骨组织工程中种子细胞匮乏的问题。     

Comparative evaluation of morphology and osteogenic behavior of human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells on 2D culture plate and 3D biomimetic scaffold

Expansion of seeded human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSCs) on 2D culture plates and 3D nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan/gelatin scaffolds, from morphology and osteoactivity points of view, were investigated. Cell attachment and spreading, temporal expression profiles of selected osteogenic gene and protein markers, intracellular alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity (ALP activity), and matrix mineralization were assayed over the course of the experiments. Morphological results demonstrated hWJ-MSCs had greater affinity to adhere onto the 3D scaffold surface, as the number and thickness of the filopodia were higher in the 3D compared with 2D culture system. Functionally, the intracellular ALP activity and extracellular mineralization in 3D scaffolds were significantly greater, in parallel with elevation of osteogenic markers at the mRNA and protein levels at all-time point. It is concluded that 3D scaffolds, more so than 2D culture plate, promote morphology and osteogenic behavior of WJ-MSCs in vitro, a promising system for MSCs expansion without compromising their stemness before clinical transplantation.     

Rapid human-derived iPSC osteogenesis combined with three-dimensionally printed Ti6Al4V scaffolds for the repair of bone defects

Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are an alternative source of mesenchymal stem cells used for bone regeneration. However, the current osteogenically induced methods for iPSCs are slow and complex. We have used retinoic acid (RA) to induce osteogenic iPSCs within 10 days and assess whether a rapid differentiation could improve the osteogenic potential of the three-dimensionally printed Ti6Al4V (3DTi) scaffolds. First, the osteogenic differentiation of iPSCs was induced with RA, and the osteogenic potential of iPSCs was evaluated using standard assays. In addition, a 5-mm mandibular bone defect was generated in rats and was repaired with 3DTi scaffolds that were seeded with iPSC-induced osteoblasts. The capacity of seeded scaffolds for the enhancement of bone regeneration in vivo was assessed. Finally, we tested the potential mechanisms of RA-dependent iPSC bone induction and its effect on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The results showed that iPSCs could form osteocytes within 10 days. Animal experiments confirmed that rapid osteo-induced iPSCs could enhance the bone regeneration and osteointegration capacity of the 3DTi scaffolds. Mechanistically, RA could activate the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin pathway during the process of iPSCs osteogenesis. The rapid osteoinduction of iPSCs combined with 3DTi scaffolds is a safe, effective, and reproducible method for repairing mandibular bone defects.     

Incorporation of SPION-casein core-shells into silk-fibroin nanofibers for cardiac tissue engineering

Mimicking the structure of extracellular matrix (ECM) of myocardium is necessary for fabrication of functional cardiac tissue. The superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs, Fe₃O₄), as new generation of magnetic nanoparticles (NPs), are highly intended in biomedical studies. Here, SPION NPs (1 wt%) were synthesized and incorporated into silk-fibroin (SF) electrospun nanofibers to enhance mechanical properties and topography of the scaffolds. Then, the mouse embryonic cardiac cells (ECCs) were seeded on the scaffolds for in vitro studies. The SPION NPs were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). SF nanofibers were characterized after incorporation of SPIONs by SEM, TEM, water contact angle measurement, and tensile test. Furthermore, cytocompatibility of scaffolds was confirmed by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. SEM images showed that ECCs attached to the scaffolds with elongated morphologies. Also, the real-time PCR and immunostaining studies approved upregulation of cardiac functional genes in ECCs seeded on the SF/SPION-casein scaffolds including GATA-4, cardiac troponin T, Nkx 2.5, and alpha-myosin heavy chain, compared with the ones in SF. In conclusion, incorporation of core-shells in SF supports cardiac differentiation, while has no negative impact on ECCs' proliferation and self-renewal capacity.     

Three-dimensional scaffold containing EGF incorporated biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles for stem cell based tissue engineering applications

Stem cell-based tissue engineering holds much hope for the development of multifunctional tissues to replace diseased organs. The attachment and survival of stem cells on a three-dimensional (3D) scaffold must be enhanced for faster progression of stem cell based tissue engineering. This study evaluate the stability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in 3D porous scaffolds composed of a collagen and chitosan blend impregnated with epidermal growth factor incorporated chitosan nanoparticles (EGF-CNP). The EGF-CNP scaffolds were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, which revealed that the nanoparticles were round in shape and 20 ∼ 50 nm in size. The scaffolds were prepared by freeze drying. A Fourier-transform infrared spectrum study revealed that the linkage between collagen and chitosan was through an ionic interaction. Thermal analysis and degradation studies showed that the scaffold could be used in tissue engineering application. MSCs proliferated well in the EGF-CNP impregnated scaffold. A scanning electron microscope study showed anchored and elongated MSCs on the EGF-CNP impregnated scaffold. A 3D biodegradable collagen chitosan scaffold impregnated with EGF-CNP is a promising transportable candidate for MSC-based tissue engineering, and this scaffold could be used as an in vitro model for subsequent clinical applications.